WORCESTER residents are being urged to be aware of all their health care options and, unless they have a serious or life-threatening condition, find an alternative to Accident and Emergency.
The Emergency Departments at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital have been exceptionally busy over the weekend, and continue to see high numbers of attendances.
The public is being advised during this busy time, to understand what options are available to them and choose alternative services to A&E where possible.
Choosing the right health care option for you allows us to treat the most seriously ill patients as quickly as possible.
Other suitable alternatively include; contacting a GP, visiting a local pharmacist, dialling 111 for advice and support about alternative services, or visiting Minor Injuries Units in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern or Tenbury.
As some ward areas have had to be closed for infection prevention and control precautions, the public is also asked to avoid visiting hospital if they, or a family member, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the last 48 hours to help prevent the spread of infection.
Local pharmacists can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more.
Call NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast, free medical advice when it’s not an emergency.
An out-of-hours GP appointment can be arranged should it be needed.
