NHS says A&E is safe as number of patients reduces by half

Patients in Gloucestershire who need urgent medical treatment have been told it is still safe to visit accident and emergency departments during the coronavirus pandemic.

The amount of people going into A&E at the county’s two main hospitals, Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General, has reduced by half since the coronavirus restrictions were introduced, the local NHS said.

Local people must continue to seek medical help if they have symptoms of a potentially serious illness or health condition.

Nationally, the number of people who have symptoms of a possible heart attack, stroke and suspected cancer has reduced considerably since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Both GP practices and the county’s emergency departments are still available to see patients with serious health conditions.

Wards in Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General have been split into Covid-19 positive and Covid-19 negative wards to safely manage these two groups of patients, and are separated from the A&E department.

Ambulance services also continue to respond to all emergencies if a person is in a life threatening situation or if there are signs of someone becoming very unwell.

The NHS in Gloucestershire has thanked the public’s use of GP and emergency services so far, which it said has “contributed positively to our local response to the pandemic”.

Emergency care consultant at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Rob Stacey, said: “It’s important that people do not delay seeking help with serious time critical conditions, as this could result in poorer outcomes for their health further down the road. 

“People should continue to call 999 and attend the A&E Departments if they believe their health is at risk, for example if they or a loved one see the signs of stroke, severe chest pain or worsening asthma.

“The Trust continues to prioritise essential services and emergency care for children continues to be in place at the Gloucestershire Royal site.” 

Urgent care lead at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP, Dr Jeremy Welch said: “We recognise that people will continue to get ill and suffer injuries that are not Covid-19 related. 

“Whilst Covid-19 is presenting real challenges for the NHS and we value the public’s support in choosing wisely, we also want people to know that urgent care is still very much available.

“The same is true if people believe they are experiencing symptoms that could be associated with cancer – for example, blood in their urine or if they feel a lump in their breast.

“It is better to get it checked out as soon as possible and call their GP surgery. It is important that people don’t just sit there and worry and in the majority of cases, cancer will be ruled out.”

What if I have the symptoms of Coronavirus?

If you have the symptoms of coronavirus, and your symptoms worsen or you are worried about other health symptoms during self isolation, use NHS 111 on-line or call NHS 111. Do not visit your GP surgery, hospital, or any other healthcare setting.