Ipswich Hospital are urging people to only use A&E in emergencies

The hospital wants to remind the public that the A&E department is their to deal with life-threatening emergencies.Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN Archant

Ipswich Hospital are urging people to only use their A&E department if it is a genuine emergency.

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The hospital wants to remind the public that the A&E department is their to deal with life-threatening emergencies.

An Ipswich Hospital spokesperson gave the following examples such as loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions and severe burns or scalds.

Simon Hallion, director of operations at Ipswich Hospital, said: “It’s been a very busy week and we are asking local people to help the NHS by only coming to the Emergency Department when they have a real emergency.

“Teams in every corner of the hospital are working very hard to make sure we provide patients with safe, high-quality care and we want our emergency clinicians to be able to focus on the patients who really need their life-saving expertise.”

Despite the bad weather on Monday the amount of A&E attendances were average for a Monday. The daily average is 240 attendances and Monday had 246.

An Ipswich Hospital spokesperson said: “It is very icy outside, and cold, and if people are out and about please remember to take it easy and keep safe. “We need to take care of each other too, so if you have neighbours who are elderly or unable to go out easily, pop round and check they are okay and warm, ask if they need you to do some shopping and make sure they know you’re there to help.”

What can you do to ease pressure on A&E this winter?

Be prepared, having a well-stocked medicine cabinet means you will be able to self-care at home and deal with minor injury and illness that you or your family might suffer. Consider having a stock of paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, rehydration mixture, indigestion remedy and plasters. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

NHS 111 by telephone and online- this is a free telephone service which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Trained advisors can offer urgent help and advice.

Your local pharmacy - many pharmacies have late night and weekend opening. A pharmacist can offer you a great deal of help and advice on the best over-the-counter medication for your condition.

If you have a long term pain e.g. back ache, don’t wait until it’s late at night or a public holiday until you do something about it. Make an appointment with your GP practice.

If you need to see an emergency dentist call NHS 111.

If you need someone to talk to you can call the Samaritans anytime on 116 123. Calls are free and the number will not appear on your telephone bill. If you are feeling low, stressed or depressed you can refer yourself to the Wellbeing Suffolk service for support – call them on 0300 123 1503.