Help keep your A&E free for emergencies (From Warrington Guardian)

Help keep your A&E free for emergencies

WARRINGTON patients are being urged to help reduce unnecessary pressure on the hospital's accident and emergency department as part of a new campaign.

'Check it Out' was launched this week and aims to get the message across to the public that A&E is not always the right place to go for medical treatment.

Warrington Primary Care Trust's unplanned and specialist care manager, Chris Webb, said: "We recently did a survey in Warrington A&E and found that one in ten patients waiting could have been treated more appropriately - and quicker - elsewhere.

"There are many alternatives in Warrington for patients who need urgent treatment or advice, including the town's out -of -hours healthcare service, local pharmacies and NHS Direct."

Patients can reach the Warrington Out-of-Hours Healthcare Service on 650999.