NCIC gives advice for those considering A and E
We're being told to consider all healthcare options before committing to waiting in the emergency department.
As part of their winter ready messaging the NCIC healthboard have already encouraged everyone to ensure they had their prescriptions in order and basic supplies, like paracetamol in the house before Christmas day.
Now though they are urging people to make sure they are using the right service should they require healthcare between now and New Year.
It's hoped that my make the correct choices it can free space up at A and E for those that are in desperate need of the service.
On their website is a helpful guide of the services and when to use them:
Call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.
A&E departments deal with life-threatening emergencies such as: stroke, heart attack, major trauma such as a road traffic accident, loss of consciousness, acute confused state, fits that are not stopping, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds. If you or someone you know have any of these call 999 immediately.
Urgent Treatment Centres are the best place to go if you need urgent medical attention and it’s not life-threatening.
GPs are the best place to go if you have an have an illness or injury that will not go away or if you notice changes in your body that are not normal.
Pharmacists can help you with minor health concerns such as: coughs, colds and sore throats, flu, earache etc.
Speaking on A and E is medical director Helen Skinner, she said: "I think there's things you can do in terms of self-help first.
"You can take paracetamol for high temperatures and things like that. For things that aren't as serious you can see your pharmacist and get advice.
"If at any point your pharmacist is concerned they can obviously pass you on to see another member of our healthcare teams.
"Obviously accessing primary care, GPs and their teams is an option. There's also alternatives such as our urgent treatment centres for minor injuries. It's really about keeping A and E for those that need it.
"There will be times we are very busy but we will be triaging so we will be seeing you very quickly and working out how quickly you need to see a doctor or one of our specialist nurses. You will be seen quickly you may just be staying in the department for longer than we would like.
"It is important to stress though that it is going to be busy over winter, but we are here and you are going to get the care that you need."