A&E Departments are under 'extreme pressure'
They see 130 people daily.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway says its services are under extreme pressure as we enter the winter months.
The A&E Department is operating beyond capacity with 130 people attending daily.
They’re expecting an increase during winter months, causing an ‘extremely high degree of pressure’.
DGRI Emergency Department Consultant Dr Pete Armstrong says: “We’ve been incredibly busy right across this year, but we’re really starting to see that increase now as we enter winter.
“In one average day at DGRI, we might be seeing 130 people arrive at the Emergency Department – which is a really high number and sees us operating beyond capacity in order to meet that need.
“In these circumstances, we really need everyone to understand what that means – in terms of what exactly the ED can help with, the length of time people may need to wait, and how we all might need to adapt in order to meet this very high volume and complexity of need.”
A reminder has been sent out on social media that people should only go to the Emergency Department for life-threatening emergencies.
For anything other, people are being encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website, phone NHS24 on 111, or get in touch with the local pharmacy or medical practice.
Visitors to ED at DGRI and at Galloway Community Hospital are being handed pamphlets highlighting the reality of the situation.
The leaflets warn of lengthy waits, being directed to somewhere else for help if it isn’t an emergency, waiting in non-clinical areas such as corridors, or even the possibility of sharing patient rooms with someone else.
Dr Armstrong said: “Hopefully the public messaging, on social media and with these leaflets, gives people an understanding of the challenge faced, and how we might need to adapt in order to meet this challenge.
“We’re seeing this sort of pressure right across the country, and there’s no question we will need to be flexible in order to make it through what looks set to be an extremely challenging winter.”
Work is ongoing in main hospital wards so that patients who are medically ready to leave will be swiftly discharged.