A & E does not stand for ‘Anything & Everything’
PEOPLE in Lincolnshire are being urged not to use Accident and Emergency at county hospitals unless it is a genuine emergency.
The NHS in Lincolnshire say they could save around £2 million pounds a year if people used a more appropriate service for their symptoms.
That money could be used to treat nearly 500 heart attack victims, provide urgent care for nearly 500 stroke victims and buy around 250 hip replacements.
NHS Lincolnshire is now telling people that A&E means ‘Accident and Emergency’ not ‘Anything and Everything’.
Dr Martin McShane said: “In Lincolnshire about 200,000 people visit A&E a year. But local research shows that one in ten people are using A&E inappropriately and could have gone elsewhere for treatment.
“Before turning up at A&E think, is it really a life threatening emergency? Could you visit a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre, call your GP or go to your nearest pharmacy for expert health advice?
“If you need medical help fast or you’re not sure which NHS service you need, people in Lincolnshire can call NHS 111. The telephone service will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service, whether it be GP out of hours, your local minor injuries unit, your nearest pharmacy or providing health care advice.
“Should you need an ambulance one will be sent immediately, just as if you have called 999. Best of all, the number is free to call from mobiles and land lines.”
For more information on how to get the right service visit www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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