'Let's free up hospital A&E' (From Warrington Guardian)

'Let's free up hospital A&E'

A SCHEME urging patients to explore alternatives to visiting the hospital accident and emergency department for less serious injuries or illnesses has been launched in Warrington.

Shirley Brady, Warrington Hospital's emergency care manager, hopes the new initiative will help to cut waiting times at Warrington Hospital. She says the scheme should also help to reduce unnecessary pressure on staff and allow patients with more serious injuries and illnesses to be treated more speedily.

Over the past month people have visited A&E in Warrington seeking treatments for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, earache and even constipation.

She said: "The department is for serious injuries or illnesses. Minor ailments can be treated either at home, or by health professionals in the community. By choosing the right treatment patients can help us to reduce queues in A&E which benefits everyone."

Alternatives to A&E being recommended include self-care, a call to the NHS Direct advice line, use of out-of-hours healthcare services and GP appointments.

Grandfather John Reid, aged 78, of Latchford, suffers from asthma, but instead of going to A&E he now uses alternatives and is pleased with the treatment he has been receiving.

He said: "Now I call the community respiratory team and the out-of-hours service. Sometimes it's a paramedic that comes out to treat me, sometimes a doctor. They stabilise me at home. Before I would have to go to A&E by ambulance. It's much better."

For details of out-of-hours care call NHS direct on 08454647 or visit www.nhsdirect.co.uk