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Stop and think – that’s the message from A&E
Written by Communications Team   

Do not come to A&E unless you really need to! That’s the message from Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to the public following a week of intense activity in the emergency department.

Paul Crawshaw, Clinical Director, said: “During the recent cold snap our A&E services have been under increased pressure and this weekend we saw a particular rise in the number of attendances at our Children’s A&E department. We would like to ask the public to think twice about whether a visit to A&E is really necessary, or if the services of their GP or local Walk-in Centre would be more appropriate.” 
  
 


“For example, colds and flu are just as effectively treated at home with advice and remedies from your pharmacist. If you are particularly worried about your child you can contact your GP, local Walk-in Centre or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. A&E should only be used when people have suffered trauma, had an accident or have developed a serious illness. It’s important that people understand the right place to go for advice and treatment, so our emergency department can concentrate on dealing with those who need urgent and often life saving treatment.”

Local Walk-in Centres are located in Ashford, Woking and Weybridge. For further information about how to choose the right service see the NHS Choose Well campaign at http://www.choosewell.org.uk/.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 December 2010 09:27 )