Health bosses in Calderdale urge people to avoid A&E unless it is ‘serious or life threatening’
There's been increasing pressure on the service due to rising COVID cases in the borough.
People should not to go to Calderdale Royal Hospital’s A&E department unless it is absolutely necessary, say health chiefs.
Because of increasing pressure on the service because of Covid-19, people are asked not to go to Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust’s Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at the Halifax hospital unless their situation is serious or life-threatening.
The Trust says there have been instances where people who are Covid-19 positive turning up at A&E which is extremely dangerous for both patients and NHS staff.
If a person feels unwell and requires medical advice they should call 111, their GP or in an emergency, 999, says the Trust.
In recent weeks there has been a rise in the number of people visiting A&E with very minor injuries that could have be treated more quickly by other health and care services, it says in a statement.
This puts serious pressure on NHS staff and services, and has a harmful effect on the care of very ill people being looked after in the hospital.
The NHS is doing everything possible to provide safe and effective services during the coronavirus pandemic, but we all need to work together to protect each other, says the Trust.
Helen Barker, Chief Operating Officer of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said the local A&E is here for the treatment of serious and life-threatening injuries and conditions only.
“These can include persistent and severe chest pains, burns, loss of consciousness and the symptoms of stroke, and severe bleeding that can’t be stopped,” she said.
“If it’s not an emergency, you should call 111. NHS 111 will make sure you get the right urgent treatment from the most suitable service, which could be an appointment with a local out-of-hours GP, if required.
“You can also seek help and advice from a number of other places such as; your GP, your local pharmacist and your dentist, but please use common sense and ask if you need to go to A&E.”
She was supported by Calderdale’s Director of Public Health, Debs Harkins, who explained the impact the Covid-19 virus was having on services.
“Coronavirus cases are on the rise in our communities, and it’s really important to limit contact with others whenever possible and follow government guidelines,” she said.
“By going to hospital when you don’t need to be there, you risk taking coronavirus with you, and possible exposing seriously ill and vulnerable people, and our doctors and nurses, to coronavirus unnecessarily.
“There are already people seriously ill with coronavirus in hospital; we don’t need any more.”
In a statement the Trust urges anyone who has coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms to stay at home and self-isolate.