Waiting lists continue to grow at GPs, dentists and pharmacies across North East Lincolnshire
Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire say there's concern it'll impact hospitals
A North East Lincolnshire Watchdog says waiting lists are continuing to grow at health services across the area. There are concerns that's winter pressures and workloads will negatively impact GPs, dentists and pharmacies even further.
Heathwatch North East Lincolnshire say waiting lists for dentists, GPs and pharmacies are increasing, which might make pressures on the NHS worse this winter.
The watchdog is a consumer advocate for both health and social care.
Tracey Slattery is the Delivery Manager, and speaks about how this will affect hospitals in the long term:
"We know that our hospitals has been stretched, you know, we are aware that there have been queues for A&E and all those kinds of things. It's about seeking the right advice and going to the right place for the right treatment, and I think that's what we kind of have to think about this winter."
She also detailed the biggest cause for concern at the moment is dentistry, with a rise in children under five going to hospital to get as tooth removed because of decay:
"Dentistry is a major issue at the moment, and obviously if you've got issues with your teeth or your mouth, it's going to make you less likely to want to eat and drink, which is then going to make you unwell. You know, seek advice, they will direct you to the best person to see you.
"If we can deal with it by prevention, children wouldn't end up in hospital having to have their tooth extracted."
Finally, Tracey detailed that those of us not in an accident or emergency, should be trying to overcome health issues in alternative methods to going to hospitals:
"If you can manage your own conditions at home... you know, if you get a cough and cold, be aware, do what you need to do, take paracetamol, take cold remedies, and you know, speak to your pharmacists and hopefully, that will then keep you out of primary care."