Shrewsbury and Telford A&E staff see 29,000 in three months
The number of people being seen at A&E in Shropshire in under four hours has risen by nearly 2,000 compared with two years ago, despite over 2,500 more people attending Emergency Departments in the county.
Figures released today by NHS England show that in the three months to the end of December, more than 29,000 people were seen by A&E staff at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust – a rise of more than 2,600 compared with the same period in 2012.
But despite this, almost 26,000 people were admitted, transferred or discharged in under four hours, compared to just over 24,000 two years ago.
Although the number of people being seen within four hours has risen, the greater increase in the number of people attending A&E has seen the Trust’s performance against the four-hour waiting time target fall in percentage terms.
The national target is set at 95%. In the last three months of 2014 the Trust figure was 88.7%. In 2012 it was 90.4%.
Debbie Kadum, Chief Operating Officer at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Hospitals across the country are extremely busy, and we are no different. We have faced the busiest Christmas period that many of us can remember.
“For example, compared to 2012, which was a more severe winter than last year, we have seen over 2,500 more people in our Emergency Departments over the last three months. But despite this, the number of people admitted, transferred or discharged in under four hours has increased by nearly 2,000.
“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our staff and I want to thank all of them for their dedication in ensuring our patients are kept safe and given the best care possible under very challenging circumstances.
“These figures show that there are people who are waiting too long in A&E. But many people in A&E didn’t really need to be there and could have been helped much more quickly by thinking of the alternatives.
“I would like to reiterate that A&E Departments are for life-threatening and emergency conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious injuries.
“If you have a minor injury or illnesses, such as a stomach bug, flu, or cold, you can check with your GP, NHS 111 or visit your local pharmacy, who can advise you on the best course of treatment. If you are unsure what healthcare treatment you need, there is also useful information on our website at www.sath.nhs.uk”
Dr Peter Clowes, Medical Director at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, said: “More often than not self-care is the only treatment you need for minor ailments, such as headaches, colds and flu, or minor injuries like muscle pulls and strains.
“We have Minor Injury Units in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch that can treat a lot of injuries a lot more quickly than busy A&E departments, and save many people an unnecessary journey.”
