Don’t abuse 999 service, says doctor

DOCTOR Nick Gili, A&E consultant at The Royal Oldham Hospital, urges people to think twice before dialling 999

OLDHAM doctors are urging the public to think twice before calling 999 or attending A&E after figures last year showed an increase in cases of over 10 per cent.

The Pennine Acute Trust, which runs four emergency departments including the Royal Oldham Hospital, serves 820,000 people and dealt with 306,602 A&E cases in 2009/10.
The increase of 10.5 per cent has prompted the message to locals to avoid unnecessary trips to emergency departments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cupboard and choosing the right service when feeling under the weather.

Dr Nick Gili, A&E consultant and clinical director for unscheduled care at The Royal Oldham Hospital, said: “The A&E departments are there to treat critical or life-threatening situations and some people with minor complaints and injuries could be treated elsewhere. Many inappropriate calls are made to 999 and it is wrong to assume that by calling an ambulance you will get treated any quicker.

“We are keen for the public to help us to help them.”

Local pharmacists, GP surgeries and NHS Walk-in-Centres can offer help for minor ailments.

Advice can also be sought by contacted NHS Direct’s 24-hour helpline on 0845 4647 or online at www.nhs.uk