Figures show that around a quarter of people who go to A&E locally could be treated more quickly and conveniently by an alternative service, leaving A&E staff free to focus on the most serious and life-threatening conditions.
And with Easter typically one of the busiest times of the year for emergency services, doctors are reminding patients of the range of options available to them if they need urgent – but not emergency - care over the bank holiday weekend.
In North Somerset these include the minor injuries unit at Clevedon Hospital which is open throughout the bank holiday weekend and can treat minor injuries such as sprains, strains and broken bones.
Patients who urgently need to speak to a GP but can’t wait until their practice re-opens can also contact the GP out–of-hours service which is available 24 hours a day over the bank holiday weekend and can be accessed via NHS 111.
Emergency pharmacists will also be open throughout North Somerset, offering expert advice on minor ailments, as well as emergency prescriptions and emergency contraception.
Local GP and CCG clinical lead for urgent care Dr Kevin Haggerty said: “A&E is for serious and life-threatening emergencies only. In these circumstances people shouldn’t hesitate to call 999 or go directly to their local A&E unit.
“However, for times when people need help urgently but it’s not life-threatening, they should use one of the urgent care services available, such as the urgent care centre at Clevedon Hospital or the GP out-of-hours service.
“By using the right care, first time for non-emergency conditions people can avoid lengthy waits and unnecessary journeys. Better still, they’ll be helping A&E staff to focus on the most serious and life-threatening conditions.”
People can check their options for urgent care in North Somerset and get immediate medical advice by telephoning NHS 111. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to use from a landline or mobile.
An online guide to local health services including self-care advice and details of emergency pharmacists, urgent care and emergency services, is also available on the CCG’s website at www.northsomersetccg.nhs.uk/rightcarefirsttime
The free NHS North Somerset Service Finder app, offering on-the-go advice on local NHS services, is also available to download for smartphones.