Busy time for Emergency Departments at Shropshire’s two acute hospitals
Emergency Departments at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford have seen an increase in demand during the past week.
The departments continue to be very busy due to winter demands and last week saw a total of 2,365 people – an average of almost 340-a-day.
This is an increase of 215 on the previous week – or 30 people each day. This week has also already begun to be busy, with almost 350 people seen in the Emergency Departments of the two hospitals on Monday.
A number of people who attended the Emergency Departments did not require specialist services and could have been seen more quickly by accessing alternative services in the community.
Some visitors to A & E attended with coughs and colds, wanted to check their medication or had dental pain.
Sara Biffen, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We are continuing to see high numbers of people attending our A&E departments.
“We know that many people who have been to our A&E departments could have used an alternative local service, which would have avoided what can be a stressful visit to hospital.
“Your GP practice can give you general medical advice and care, including prescriptions. When your practice is closed you can contact Shropdoc, the out of hours service, on 0333 222 66 55.
“Pharmacies can offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
“NHS 111 can provide medical help fast when it’s not a 999 emergency.
“As well as this, minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries.”
