Health bosses across Norfolk urging us to 'think 111 first' and only visit A&E if needed
It comes as many of our junior doctors are walking out today - for 72 hours- in an ongoing dispute with Government over pay
Health bosses at hospitals across Norfolk are urging us to 'think 111 first' and only visit A&E if needed.
It comes as many of our junior doctors are walking out today - for 72 hours- in an ongoing dispute with Government over pay
"If you have got an appointment please do still attend"
Dr Frankie Swords is medical director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney: "Please think 111 first and only attend the emergency department, if you really have an emergency.
"We are talking things like difficulty breathing, bleeding that won't stop or chest pains.
"Please don't come for other issues, instead use 111- it's a brilliant service and they can direct you to a more appropriate service.
"The most the important thing is if you have got an appointment, clinic or an operation- please do still attend.
"We are having to cancel and re-organise some procedures, but we will actively contact you. So if your hospital hasn't been in touch with you- please do still come."
"The whole hospital has to work differently"
"If you do have loved ones in hospital and you could help them get home sooner, the more space we can make in our hospitals, the easier it is to do our job.
"So if you have somebody nearly ready to be discharged but you think you could help them- please do speak to your ward team.
"We obviously have to work differently. If you are missing a whole chunk of your workforce, the consultants, senior nurses, pharmacists- the whole hospital has to work differently."