Flu patients told to avoid York A&E

8:10am Monday 12th January 2009

Comments (7)   Have your say »

HEALTH chiefs have told patients suffering from flu to stop clogging up A&E departments and putting unnecessary pressure on doctors and nurses.

Anyone who arrives at York Hospital’s accident and emergency departments complaining of flu-like symptoms will be redirected to GPs and pharmacists, NHS chiefs said.

Gary Hardman, director of nursing and patient care for NHS North Yorkshire and York, said a large contributing factor to the increase in people seeking emergency services is that patients fear their symptoms might be the winter vomiting virus Norovirus.

He said the volume of patients accessing emergency health services has increased significantly over the past week – with many of those turning up at hospital showing only minor symptoms that could have been treated elsewhere. “Winter is such a busy time of year for the NHS and patients can really help us by taking the appropriate action to treat their condition,” he said.

“Patients presenting at A&E with flu-like symptoms or stomach bugs not only put a strain on resources but also increase the risk of their illness being contracted by other patients already suffering a serious condition.”

He said up to 20 per cent of patients turning up at hospital A&E during winter had symptoms that could have been treated either at their GP practice or even at home with over-the-counter medicines available from pharmacies. The increased pressure on NHS services isn’t only being felt locally. NHS Direct, the 24/7 health advice and information service, reported an increase of 16 per cent in calls over the Christmas period.

Mr Hardman said: “Patients unsure of where to go for treatment should make NHS Direct their first port of call – unless it is a genuine emergency. They can be contacted either by phoning 0845 4647 or by going online at nhsdirect.nhs.uk.”