Press release – 9 May 2018

2018/34

Public urged to think twice before using Hereford County Hospital A&E following surge in attendances

Health leaders are urging people to only use A&E at Hereford County Hospital for serious and life-threatening emergencies only, following a surge in patient attendances during the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Jon Barnes, Chief Operating Officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “In the last two days we have seen the highest and second highest numbers of patient’s ever attending Hereford County Hospital’s emergency department with 201 and 198 respectively – we would normally see and treat around 150 patients a day. 

“Our Emergency Department (ED) continues to be extremely busy today and we have admitted a number of patients to hospital during the weekend. 

“We’re urging the public to consider all NHS alternatives, your local pharmacy, GP, or call NHS111, and only attend ED if it’s serious or life threatening.  Our staff will continue to see and treat patients as quickly as possible, based on their clinical need, however, you will need to wait longer than expected if it is not life threatening or serious. 

“The Trust has plans in place for surges in demand including extra staffing in our Emergency Department and extra ward rounds to discharge patients who are medically fit and ready to return home or to appropriate care”. 

Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “All partners are working together to ensure people are cared for appropriately.  We know there is huge pressure on ambulance services, A&E, primary Care (GPs) and social care so we are also reminding people to use services considerately during this extremely busy time. 

“If you have a minor illness or injury visit your local pharmacist, contact your GP during opening hours, or call NHS 111 (available 24 hours a day) if you are unsure which service you need or require non-emergency medical guidance or an out of hours urgent GP appointment.

“By choosing the right NHS service you will be assessed and cared for appropriately”. 

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Note to editors:

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider health services across Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve. We are the leading provider of health care in Herefordshire.

By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.

With an estimated annual turnover of around £180 million, we employ around 2,700 plus staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact the Trust communication team on 01432 372928 or 01432 355444 x5105.