Local residents are being reminded of the alternatives to a visit to the Emergency Department at the County Hospital over the Easter weekend.
The department is only for serious injuries or illnesses – and people who turn up there with minor injuries may end up waiting a long time while staff attend urgent patients.
Jon Barnes, chief operating officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “Traditionally we can be busy over bank holiday weekends. Easter is no exception so we’re urging people to consider alternatives and only attend the Emergency Department if they have a serious injury or illness.”
Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair for Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “There are a number of NHS alternatives available which local people can access for minor injuries and illnesses and we would urge residents to use these where appropriate.
“These include: contacting your GP, visiting your local pharmacy as they can treat minor illnesses and injuries, book an appointment though the Taurus extended hours GP services or visit a minor injury units. If you are unsure which service you need or require non-emergency medical guidance, free advice is available 24 hours a day by calling NHS 111”.
He also advised that people should make sure they have medication at home to deal with minor injuries and common ailments like coughs, sneezes, colds and upset stomachs, and those with long-term conditions like asthma, heart conditions and diabetes should collect any repeat prescriptions they might need before the bank holiday.
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