Leighton Hospital hit by influx of minor ailments (From Crewe Guardian)

Leighton Hospital hit by influx of minor ailments

10:18am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Matthew Taylor

HEALTH chiefs have requested people think twice before attending A&E after an increase in people attending Leighton hospital with minor ailments.

The number of people attending the facility’s emergency department between Friday evenings and Monday mornings has increased in recent weeks.

The Trust is asking for the assistance of the public in ensuring that resources are used only for serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, serious accidents and breathing difficulties.

Denise Frodsham, chief operating officer for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are currently seeing more and more people arriving at A&E in the evenings and over a weekend with conditions that can be prevented by better prescription management, earlier treatment through visiting a GP during the day, or things that are treatable at home with the support of our local pharmacists.”

She added: “There are also a variety of healthcare services available locally during the evenings and weekends which should be considered before A&E – local pharmacies, NHS Direct and GP out of hours services are all able to offer expert confidential advice on a full range of medical conditions, and are able to address the needs of the majority of people.

“We are therefore asking for the support of our local community to ensure that A&E services are only used at times when urgent medical attention is required. This will enable us to continue to deliver care for our community in a timely and effective manner.”

More information on local health options is available at www.nhs.uk or www.cecpct.nhs.uk/choose-well NHS Direct can offer confidential health advice and guidance 24 hours a day on 0845 4647.