'Help us avoid winter A&E crisis' - Shropshire hospital bosses

More than 60 per cent of patients visiting Shropshire's A&E departments could have been treated elsewhere last year, health bosses say.

People are being urged to think about where they can best be treated

New data from NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has revealed around 63 per cent of A&E patients could have been effectively treated elsewhere in the healthcare system last year, such as a minor injury unit or by a pharmacist.

The survey conducted by healthcare leaders revealed that 26 per cent of people were aware that community pharmacists can provide urgent care.

But when asked about A&E usage, 50 per cent of participants said it would be either their first choice or a ‘key consideration’ for urgent care.

The survey highlighted gaps in people's knowledge about what other healthcare services can offer and a general awareness of which services to use when urgent advice or treatment is required.

More than 130,000 people visit A&E each year in the county and healthcare leaders are encouraging people to help stretched A&E and GP surgeries this winter by re-thinking which service they opt for when unwell.

Hospital staff making people aware of the options

They say this will help free up beds in the county's acute hospitals and ease ambulance waits for those in need of potentially life-saving treatment.

Alison Bussey, chief nursing officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “In our area, we have some of the most stretched A&E departments in the country, impacting on waiting times and ambulance delays.

“The 'Think Which Service' campaign aims to encourage people to self-care to help them stay physically and mentally well and highlights the various services available to our residents so they can consider if there is another way to get the treatment or advice they need.

“Of course, if it is an emergency then you should absolutely head to A&E or dial 999 but, unfortunately, we are seeing a high number of people turning up with illnesses or injuries that could be treated in a minor injury unit, by a pharmacist or, in some cases, with self-care at home.

“We are calling on local people to get behind our campaign and try to ‘think which service’ this winter to help alleviate pressures on our NHS workers.”