The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is urging people living in, and visiting, Wiltshire to use the NHS appropriately this bank holiday weekend.
Local residents are being asked to think carefully about whether a trip to our hospital is really necessary, as new data shows a surge in people visiting busy emergency departments unnecessarily for minor health concerns.
During July 2021, 162 people visited a hospital in the region with a sore throat, while a further 17 people arrived at one of the three emergency departments, which are intended for those with very serious or life-threatening illnesses and injuries, after spending too long in the sun.
Dr Charlotte Forsyth, Medical Director at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “All of the hospitals across our region are under extreme pressure at the moment and we need the public’s help to protect local NHS services so they are ready for those who require them most.
“One way we can do this is by speeding up discharges for those who are ready to go home. If your loved one needs collecting from hospital, please help us by ensuring this is done as quickly as possible. This will help to free up a bed for someone else who needs it.”
You can help by calling NHS 111 in the first instance, or consider visiting a GP or pharmacist instead of coming to the hospital.
