Urgent injury patients have been asked to make appointments for care instead of turning up to A&E centres in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The new urgent appointment system was announced at the start of the month as health bosses warned of mounting pressure on NHS Lothian, including A&E departments.
The new system is specifically for patients with urgent injuries such as strains, sprains, suspected broken bones, wounds, burns, stings and bites. Urgent care patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians are asked to call NHS 24 on 111 to make an appointment with one of Lothian’s Minor Injuries Units instead of turning up to A&E centres.
Health bosses praised the news system for helping patients get the right care in the right place and help relieve pressure on hospitals. But some slammed the move as the consequence of "years of chronic underfunding."
