NHS Lanarkshire chiefs have issued a plea to the public asking them to help staff alleviate pressures on the health service.
The health board is asking every member of the public to consider all suitable alternatives before calling an ambulance or coming directly to the emergency department so that staff can continue to provide essential care to those who most need our help.
NHS Lanarkshire executive nurse director Eddie Docherty stated the rising number of Covid and flu cases is having a significant impact.
He said: “Our three acute hospitals have significant pressures within our emergency departments, with high levels of inpatients causing bed shortages and staffing challenges.
“Our staff are doing everything possible to assess, treat and care for patients with priority given to those who are most unwell.
"This means that there are significantly longer waits at the emergency departments of each of our three hospitals with our inpatient wards being extremely busy.
“We are also seeing an increasing number of respiratory viruses in our hospitals, with high flu and Covid-19 numbers contributing to the current pressures and challenges.
“In terms of Covid-19 numbers, there was an average of 170 patients in hospital with Covid each day over the last week – around twice the numbers we had at the start of December.
“The last week has been incredibly difficult as we have been dealing with a high level of very unwell patients who need our care. This current demand means that waiting times at our front door are more challenging than ever.
“We would also ask that where possible families and friends support patients to return home as soon as they are medically well enough to be discharged. Please helps us to help you.”
Earlier this week, Lanarkshire Live revealed that one elderly woman, aged 87, waited more than 32 hours to be put onto a ward at University Hospital Wishaw.
NHS Lanarkshire medical director Dr Mark Russell also stated that a number of GP practices will be open on Saturday’s to try and alleviate the backlog of patients.
Waiting times for patients attending A&E across Lanarkshire hit an all time low last month. Only 39.5 per cent of locals were seen within the four-hour target.
Judith Park, acute director of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “This is the most unprecedented and most challenged system we have seen in the entire lifetime of the NHS. We continue to prioritise those patients who require urgent care.
“However, we also understand that when someone has an illness or minor injury they want help as soon as possible and although the emergency department is open 24 hours seven days a week there are alternatives if someone’s condition is not critical or life-threatening.
“If you think you need to attend A&E but it’s not life-threatening, or you think you need to visit a minor injuries unit, call NHS 24 on 111 day or night, where you will be directed to the right NHS service. If you just need health care advice, then please use the NHS Inform website.
“If someone does have to come to one of our emergency departments, they need to be prepared to face extremely long waits to be seen as we will prioritise those patients who are most unwell.
“This can lead to patients getting frustrated with our staff but we ask that people be patient and be kind and considerate to our staff.
“We are also very grateful to all our partners including the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS24 as well as our Out of Hours service and our GPs who have extended opening hours which have all helped to support us.”
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