Plea as A&E remains under huge pressure

A top doctor in Blackpool Victoria Hospital's A&E department has again called on people to only attend is absolutely necessary.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2017, 10:30 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:37 BST
Simon TuckerSimon Tucker
Simon Tucker

The department continues to face ‘huge pressure’, consultant Simon Tucker said, and should be kept free for those who are extremely unwell and need urgent medical attention.

Around one in five people could be dealt with elsewhere, it was previously estimated.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Tucker said: “These patients will usually be low priority and this means they could be waiting longer than most others in A&E. We need to keep A&E departments for those people who are extremely unwell and need urgent medical attention.”

Self-care is recommended for grazes, coughs, sore throats, and other ailments.

Pharmacists can help with diarrhoea, runny noses, painful coughs, and headaches, while GPs should be seen for back, stomach or ear ache, and vomiting.

For strains, cuts, strain and itches, patients should visit the Walk-In Centre. Call 111 if unclear. A&E is advised for chest pain, choking, blood-loss, and blacking out.