Published on: 16th November 2015
The NHS in Lincolnshire is asking people to think twice before visiting A&E. During autumn and winter, NHS services are very busy particularly hospital and community services.
Lincolnshire people can help by using the alternative urgent care services available in the county.
Dr Suneil Kapadia, medical director for ULHT said
I urge everyone to think twice before they go to A&E. If it's not serious or life threatening, you shouldn't be there. If you go there when you don't need to, this puts more pressure on hard working staff and already stretched resources.
Many illnesses can be better treated by visiting your local pharmacy, calling 111, visiting your local GP or GP out of hours services, or attending a walk in centre or a minor injuries unit. Remember A&E is for accidents and emergencies only.
Dr Kevin Hill, chair of NHS South Lincolnshire CCG, added:
I echo the advice given by ULHT. Our local hospitals, along with our ambulance service EMAS, are already experiencing high demand, which will lead to delays for anyone visiting A&E. Please help us by not going to A&E unless you have a serious or life threatening condition. Instead take advantage of the other sources of advice available locally, including pharmacies, NHS 111, GPs and GP out of hours, walk in centres and minor injury units.
Dr Phil Mitchell, medical director at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said:
There are lots of people in Lincolnshire who have long term health conditions. It can be hard in the winter and in the busy run-up to Christmas to find time to look after yourself, but asking your GP practice to issue a repeat prescription could make all the difference.
Every year some people feel that they have to visit a minor injury unit, a walk in centre or even A&E for their regular medication because they have left it too late to get their prescription. Please remember to order your prescriptions for you medicines in good time and remember to collect from your local chemist too. Many pharmacists will also order your medicines for you. Just discuss with your pharmacist or GP practice around what is the best time to order before Christmas.
More information on non-emergency healthcare services is available at www.choosebetterlincs.co.uk or www.nhs.uk for list of pharmacies.
The range of alternative services to A&E include:
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to go to your GP or other healthcare setting.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a service which makes it easier for you to access NHS services. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is free when you telephone 111. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but is not a 999 emergency.
GP Out of Hours service
If you need a doctor out of normal hours, dial NHS 111 to contact the GP Out of Hours service.
Walk-In Centres
Lincoln Walk-In Centre, 63 Monks Road, Lincoln LN2 5HP
The centre offers a range of services including nurse-led minor illness and sexual-health service including emergency contraception. Patients do not have to be registered at the centre and can walk in or book an appointment on 01522 528153. The centre is open from 8am - 8pm, seven days a week (except for Christmas Day and Easter Sunday).
Minor Injury Units
- John Coupland Hospital, Ropery Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 2TJ Tel: 01427 816502
Open: 8am-8pm, seven days a week - Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding Road, Pinchbeck PE11 3DT (for satnav please use PE11 3PB) Tel: 01775 652000
Open: 8am-6pm, seven days a week - The City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB. Tel: 01733 293800
Open: 8am-8pm, seven days a week (including Bank Holidays) - Stamford Hospital, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire,PE9 1UA Tel: 01780 764151 Open: 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday
- Sleaford Medical Group, 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD Tel: 01529 419100
Open 8.00am to 8.00pm, seven days a week (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday)
Urgent Care Centres
- Skegness Hospital, Dorothy Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2BS Tel: 01754 613504
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays) - County Hospital, High Holme Road, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0EU Tel: 01507 600100 ext 1223
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)
