A & E departments in hospitals in the UK are extremely busy at the moment and Harrogate is no different. The Harrogate District Foundation Trust website is urging patients to think twice before they come in to hospital. Should you visit your GP or perhaps your pharmacist? You can read the full article here
“Staff at Harrogate District Hospital are urging people to only attend the Emergency Department (A&E) in the case of a genuine accident or emergency.
The department – in common with many hospitals across the country – has been particularly busy in recent weeks and those people who don’t require accident or emergency services should consider other options first, such as calling NHS 111 or visiting their pharmacist.
Over the past fortnight the hospital has seen an increase in the number of acutely unwell patients, which means the Emergency Department has been extremely busy and admissions to hospital – where people have needed inpatient care – have increased.
Options for local people include:
Self-care: minor symptoms (headaches, sore throats, stomach upsets, etc) can be treated with off-the-shelf medicines available from your local pharmacy, convenience store or supermarket.
Pharmacy: expert advice and treatment for minor symptoms and conditions. Some are open late and on weekends, no appointment necessary. Find pharmacies at www.nhs.uk.
GP practice: For more significant illnesses and long term conditions, make an appointment with your GP. When your GP is closed, called NHS 111 to access urgent GP services.
Minor Injuries: Your GP might be able to treat minor injuries; call the practice to check. There is a Minor Injury Unit at Ripon Community Hospital, Firby Lane, Ripon, HG4 2PR. It’s open seven days a week, 8am-9pm.
NHS 111: Not sure which service you need? NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time. Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Emergency Department or 999: For serious injuries and emergencies only. There is an Emergency Department at Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX.”
