Waiting times soar as patients misuse emergency services for non-urgent complaints

The emergency staff of NHS Lanarkshire are under immense pressure due to hundreds of patients turning to emergency services despite them having only minor complaints.

During the summer months, there has been a significant rise in patient numbers using Accident and Emergency (A&E) services within the three acute Lanarkshire hospitals rather than using alternative services such as NHS Inform, NHS 24, local pharmacies who offer minor ailment services, GP or dentist.

On some days in recent months, A&E services experienced increases of almost 20% more patients than this time last year.

Safety of patients and staff is the priority, however this is being compromised by hundreds of patients that do not need to be there being treated on a daily basis by medical and nursing staff.

This also results in lengthy delays for those patients who do need the services of an A&E department and should be getting earlier treatment.

Traditionally the winter months are the busiest and most challenging time of the year for the NHS. However, A&E services have been under exceptional pressure throughout the summer months and the fear is that attendances will continue to rise throughout the winter period.

Calum Campbell, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, explains:

“Our services are under immense pressure. It’s as if we are in middle of winter. I urge everyone to think carefully before attending our A&E services, as a quicker, alternative solution could be the most effective answer, saving time and resources.  We need to ensure we continue to provide a safe environment for our patients and a safe place of work for all our staff.

“There are literally hundreds of patients using our emergency services when they could be seeking help via NHS 24 or from their local pharmacy or GP practice. If someone has been involved in a serious accident or a victim of an emergency, then go to our A&E services. If not, seek treatment from other local services.

“Our redirection policy is being implemented and enforced by all our hospital staff with immediate effect so, unless you have suffered an accident or illness that requires the urgent services of an A&E department then we urge patients not to go to our A&E. If you do, you will either be redirected to one of our other services or face a lengthy wait whilst those who meet the criteria are seen first.

“Our staff continue to do an outstanding job 24/7 within very difficult circumstances. We are asking the people of Lanarkshire to please consider the most effective way to seek treatment as the answer doesn’t always lie with our emergency services.”

To find out more about the services offered by NHS Lanarkshire click here: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/kwttt/

To find details of services closest to you, use the services directory on NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot or NHS 24: https://www.nhs24.scot/