Sheffield A&E visits at a 3 year high as top symptoms that could be seen elsewhere revealed  

 

Health chiefs in Sheffield are encouraging people to think twice before going to A&E this Bank Holiday. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (FT) has revealed the most common symptoms seen at A&E that could have been better treated elsewhere.

To help ease pressures this bank holiday, NHS staff across Sheffield are asking people to please think twice before going to A&E. The advice from NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning group is to access other services unless a condition is a serious or life threatening, such as a heart attack, stroke, breathing problems or a serious accident.

Many illnesses and injuries over the bank holiday can be better treated by visiting a local pharmacy, calling NHS 111, or accessing a GP ‘out of hours’ service. The Sheffield walk in centre on Broad Lane and the minor injuries unit at Royal Hallamshire Hospital will also be open until late over the long weekend.

Choosing the right service first time not only makes sure patients receive the best treatment in the shortest possible time, but also keeps vital A&E services for those who really need emergency medical attention.

This advice from health chiefs corresponds with record reports of A&E attendance across the UK last month, with Sheffield’s A&E department seeing higher numbers this summer than from the previous two years.

In a recent list released by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, skin issues, sore throats, aches and pains and coughs were some of the most common symptoms seen at A&E that would have been better seen elsewhere. It has also been reported that people with fevers, bites, dizziness, nausea and earache frequently attend A&E but do not need A&E attention.

These symptoms have the potential to be serious, but also could be nothing to worry about. Patients arriving at A&E with these health issues would be seen by staff, but face potential lengthy waits whilst people with serious conditions are prioritised.

If you’re unsure how urgent your needs are, and whether A&E is the right place for you, NHS 111 can help. Dialling 111 is free, and their experts can provide 24/7 advice on where and how to receive the most appropriate treatment.

Your local pharmacist can also offer expert advice and can also provide treatment for many health problems. Pharmacies across Sheffield will be open over the long weekend. For more information on the services available to you this Bank holiday, including a list of pharmacy opening times, please visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk