A&E departments across region ‘extremely busy’, Scottish NHS board warns

A Scottish NHS board has warned the public that accident and emergency departments across the region are “extremely busy” at the moment.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) asked the public on Wednesday to consider if their condition is life or limb threatening before turning up to local accident and emergency departments.

The health board said the emergency department is there for people with life or limb-threatening injuries and illnesses, and urged anyone experiencing a medical emergency to call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

For minor injuries and illnesses, however, NHSGGC said there are a range of other services which may be able to provide the right care closer to home and more quickly.

“Our accident and emergency departments are extremely busy at the moment,” Dr Claire Harrow, deputy medical director for acute services at NHSGGC, said.

“These sites are across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and they are there for patients who have got life or limb threatening injuries or serious illnesses.

“So if you’re condition isn’t life or limb threatening, or if you don’t think it’s serious, there are often quicker and more appropriate ways for you to get help and these might include a variety of options.”

NHSGGC said these options could include self-care at home using trusted NHS resources, advice and treatment from a community pharmacy, or other local healthcare services.

The health board warned that people attending A&E with conditions which are not life or limb-threatening may face longer waits while the most seriously unwell patients are prioritised.

“Our accident and emergency departments are here to help us when we need it. We’re asking the public to help us keep Accident and Emergency departments available for those who need it most, when they need it most,” Dr Harrow said.

“If you have an injury or illness that isn’t life or limb threatening, please consider the other services open to you.

She added: “Accessing the right healthcare in the first instance can save you time and it helps us to ensure the accident and emergency departments are there for people who need it most when they need it.”

NHSGGC has online advice covering some of the most common injuries and illnesses, including information on managing symptoms at home and when to seek further or urgent help.

Anyone who is unsure where to turn can visit the NHS Inform website or use the NHS 24 Online app.

People can also get urgent advice at any time by calling NHS 24 on 111.

Further information on accessing the right care in the right place is available on the NHSGGC website.