Record numbers push A&E to breaking point

Photo: Darren Robinson

THE Royal Oldham Hospital’s A&E department: massive numbers asking for help

HEALTH bosses say record levels of patients at Oldham’s local accident and emergency department has puhed the service to breaking point.

An unprecedented 368 patients went to Royal Oldham A&E on Monday - many of them with trivial injuries.

NHS bosses have now joined forces with Oldham Council to appeal to the public to avoid increasing the burden on services - a burden that could put lives at risk.

Dr Jimmy Stuart, divisional medical director for the trust that runs the hopital said, “Monday was our busiest ever day. We are desperately asking the public to think carefully before automatically turning up to A&E. Self-care is the best choice for minor coughs, colds and stomach upsets. For these, over the counter remedies can usually help.

“Only those people in need of urgent medical attention should come to A&E.”

Services across the NHS are currently under pressure.

Dr Stuart added: “We have seen a large proportion of patients coming with less serious conditions and minor complaints such as alcohol intoxication, back pain, migraines, ear problems and sore throats.”

Dr Shelley Grumbridge, a GP and clinical director for urgent care for Oldham’s Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “These numbers are unheard of. We want all our patients to get the right treatment at the right place - but that doesn’t always have to be provided in a hospital building.”

Oldham CCG has commissioned a “Think!” campaign, launching this week, to help patients find the right level of service for an illness.

Oldham Council has joined the initiative to urge residents to consider which service they should attend.

The NHS Choices website, www.nhs.uk, offers expert advice and local services details.