ACCIDENT and Emergency departments at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Worcestershire Royal are currently under extreme pressure due to large numbers of patients attending, say health chiefs.
The announcement comes after days of freezing weather followed by unseasonally mild conditions letting germs run riot.
Last week the Standard received reports of 28 patients waiting on trolleys in A&E at Worcestershire Royal last Sunday with ambulances queuing up to get in and triage assessment nurses in tears at the number of patients.
Now doctors from Redditch and Bromsgrove clinical commissioning group (CCG) are urging the public during this busy time to understand what options are available to them and to choose alternative services to A&E where it is appropriate to do so.
Patients are being encouraged to contact their own GP, visit their local pharmacist or dial NHS 111 for advice and support about alternative services, such as the Minor Injury Unit in Bromsgrove, which is situated off the Stourbridge Road on the site of the old Bromsgrove General Hospital.
Mari Gay, interim chief officer for the Worcestershire CCGs, said: “Our A&E departments are currently extremely busy. Many minor health problems and complaints such as muscular, minor sports injuries can be solved with self-care. Unnecessary trips to A&E not only put a strain on NHS resources, but can also compromise care for those needing urgent accident and emergency care.
“Patients with a wide range of minor injuries which do not require a visit to A&E (such as cuts, wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns) can also be treated at Minor Injury Units.”
Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns. Waiting times are on average 20 minutes.
The nearest one to Redditch is the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0BB
