An overstretched NHS hospital has issued a warning to people to use the right services. The campaign comes after people turned up to A&E to be treated - for chapped lips and a verruca.
Health chiefs at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Royal Bolton Hospital, have urged people to seek treatment elsewhere unless it is a genuine emergency. There are huge backlogs in treating patients that have been caused by patients attending A&E for illnesses and injuries that could have been treated at home, the trust has revealed.
Some 368 people have attended the department each day on average since April 1, and that figure is set to rise as the NHS prepares for one of the toughest winters in its history, says the trust. In total, more than 74,000 people attended Royal Bolton Hospital’s emergency department between 1 April and 19 October 2022.
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Imran Khan, urgent care lead at the trust, said: "What we have to do is prioritise patients in terms of their clinical condition. People may wait longer if their condition is not as serious as someone else’s, or be directed to another more appropriate service.
"We have seen an increase in the number of patients who come with conditions that could be managed at home. During summer we had someone turn up with chapped lips, and someone else with a verruca - both things which could’ve been seen by a pharmacist."
Laura Wells, Emergency Department Matron at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "In an emergency situation or if anyone has an accident then we’re here to help. There are other options, such as seeing your GP, walk-in centres or self-help, which we know some people who present with us would’ve been better to seek one of those options first."
Hannah Durrant, Consultant at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, added: We’re really happy to see people when they’re unwell, that’s what we’re here for and that’s our job. However, if you’re not sure whether you need an emergency department or not, contact 111, your GP or a pharmacist and take advice there.
The medics acknowledged that patients are currently experiencing difficulties getting GP appointments, as Dr Niruban Ratnarajah, Clinical Director (Bolton) NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and a GP Partner at Stonehill Medical Centre in Farnworth, said: "We know that there are delays accessing a GP appointment nationally. Across the country there have been more people presenting at A&E, and many of them simply don’t need to go there.
“Our practices are open and our doctors are working hard to see the patients that need to be seen, this may just take place in a different way. Your appointment might be over the phone or with a member of staff other than a GP, such as a nurse practitioner or another professional best suited to support you.
“You may also be directed to a local community pharmacy for advice for particular conditions rather than being offered an appointment. Like all areas of the NHS, we’re under incredible demand. Please think carefully about where you can get help so that we can make sure the right person is there to help you.
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