Renfrewshire health chiefs encourage patients to avoid visiting A&E departments with dental issues
Health chiefs in Renfrewshire have issued a plea to patients to avoid visiting busy Accident & Emergency departments with minor ailments and dental issues.
Health bosses have warned that A&E departments are being clogged up with cases that don’t require urgent treatment. Chiefs have advised anyone who needs assistance for minor illnesses to contact their GP or visit a local pharmacy. They have also urged anyone with dental problems to get in touch with their regular dentist or call NHS 111 for advice.
There have been instances, experts warned, of patients visiting packed emergency departments with dental pain, skin rashes and sore throats. Chiefs are keen to stress that A&E departments should be reserved only for those who need immediate attention for serious injuries or illnesses.
GP surgeries are open and pharmacists can provide advice for minor ailments, such as coughs and colds, mild injuries caused by accidents and seasonal illnesses, including flu.
Statistics suggest that there has been a small increase in the number of A&E patients seen within the target window at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, but there are still only around 65% of patients receiving treatment within the four-hour target.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde revealed that the region’s emergency departments are dealing with patients who “do not need to be there” and cited examples, including patients with period pain, toothache, a sore throat for less than one day and urinary infections.
Patients are advised to make use of community health and dental services and consult NHS 111, the NHS website or local pharmacists for advice for minor illnesses and symptoms. It is vital that A&E departments are able to provide the care required by patients with life-threatening conditions or injuries.
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