Doctors are urging Lanarkshire residents not to turn up to A&E with animal bites as waiting times soar.
Every month hundreds of people turn up in A&E with animal bites, but doctors are asking people to ‘keep A&E free’ for emergencies only after average waiting times soared again this month.
While 99.9 per cent of the bites are from dogs and cats, people have also turned up with insect, tick, mouse and donkey bites.
However, people are being urged not to attend A&E unless it is a life-threatening issue.
Emergency departments at Lanarkshire’s three main hospitals are not the place to get treatment for pet bites – unless the bite is extremely serious.
Waiting times in emergency departments for anything that’s isn’t life-threatening, are very long; at least six hours is now the norm.
Calvin Lightbody, consultant in emergency medicine, said that most bites can be treated at home by cleaning the wound carefully and then keeping it covered – and clean.
He told Lanarkshire Live : “Bites can get infected if they’re not checked and treated, so always seek medical advice if the bite has broken the skin.
“These infections are rarely serious if treated quickly, but occasionally they can spread to the blood or other parts of the body.
“If it has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus immunisation, you may require a booster.”
Patients should now instead call NHS24 on 111 for a telephone assessment and referral to the most appropriate service suited to their needs.
In fact, most insect and animal bites and scratches can be easily treated at home, with some basic ‘first-aid’ essentials.
People can also get help and advice at their local pharmacy, GP surgery or Minor Injuries Unit (there are five walk-in minor injuries units in Lanarkshire).
Pharmacists can provide all the necessary dressings and painkillers free of charge, if they’re needed.
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