NHS Ayrshire and Arran is asking people to stop and think before attending the Emergency Department (ED), as it may not always be the best place to treat certain conditions.
Dr Crawford McGuffie, Joint Medical Director and Emergency Department Consultant, explains: “As we move into the winter months, our Emergency Departments are at their busiest. However, we know that some people who attend our EDs would receive more appropriate and quicker treatment elsewhere.
“So, we are asking members of the public to stop, think, and ask ‘Is it an emergency?’ If it is an emergency, come straight to the Emergency Department.”
If you do attend an ED and your condition does not need the services of an Emergency Department, you may be redirected to another service. These include GP surgery, NHS24, pharmacy, emergency dental service and pregnancy services.
Joanne Edwards, Director for Acute Services, added: “We want to make sure that the right patient is seen at the right place at the right time with the right clinician. Our key message is to let people know the most appropriate time to visit an ED, and what are the available alternatives.
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