A&E can't offer coronavirus tests, warns Devon NHS boss
Hospital trusts in Devon have warned they are seeing a rise in numbers of people visiting emergency departments and say 'we appreciate the frustrations with testing' but they are not offering Covid-19 tests to people being assessed.
Last updated 16th Sep 2020
Dr Phil Hughes, Medical Director from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said: "We are seeing increasing numbers of attendances across Devon so we are asking that you please exhaust all routes before visiting your local Emergency Department.
"If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a life-threatening emergency don’t hesitate to dial 999. For urgent care, call 111 for advice.
"GP surgeries are still open and offering an online consultations. Please do persevere instead of going to the hospital. Like other workplaces, hospitals and GP practices are also challenged with staffing and we need to make sure that we prioritise our sickest patients.
"We are working really hard and doing everything possible to keep you safe and care for those who need us in an Emergency, so please don’t attend the Emergency Department until you have already been through these routes.
"Please help us by preserving Emergency Department, enabling us to maintain social distancing and infection control measures, and keeping the department for those who are the most sick – we all need to do our bit.
"We appreciate the frustrations with testing, but UHP is not able to offer a COVID-19 test to those patients we’re assessing in an emergency, only those who are being admitted to hospital, so if you require a test, please call 119 or visit the Government testing website."