By Lucy Ashton
People are being asked to think twice before calling 999 or visiting A&E, as hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are seeing a surge in attendances and increased pressures on beds.
Traditionally November, December and January are extremely busy months, but this year the pressure has begun building earlier than expected, and staff at all our sites are facing considerable challenges.
An appeal is being issued to people across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, asking them to consider the best way in which they can access the care they need:
- For minor ailments and injures, or just for more information, visit NHS Inform.
- Remember your local GP surgery, pharmacy or optician offers a range of care and prescribing services.
- If you think your condition is urgent, call NHS 24 on 111 to access our Virtual A&E, or Flow Navigation Centre. There you will receive expert advice about how best to get the care you need.
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Our staff are working around the clock to ensure the best level of care for our patients.
“People have access to a range of alternative services that can help reduce waiting times for the sickest of patients and free up capacity in all our hospitals.
“However, we would still like to stress that anyone with a very urgent or life-threatening condition or injury should continue to call 999 or attend an emergency department as normal.”
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website.