NHS Grampian medics urge members of public over Easter weekend
Published: 15/04/2022 12:3515 April 2022
NHSG/10/2022
NHS Grampian medics urge members of public over Easter weekend
Frontline health staff across the north-east have urged members of the public not to end up in their local Emergency Department this holiday weekend.
For many in the region this is a long weekend and medical staff historically see a rise in presentations at this time. This includes those with trauma injuries due to an increase in traffic accidents, people undertaking activities that put them at risk of serious injury and those who drink too much alcohol.
With pressures across all health care continuing, medics are urging the public to play their part in helping hospitals run as safely as possible.
North-east residents have also been reminded that, unless life-threatening, they should call 111 and not head straight to hospital.
“Every year as the weather improves, we see a rise in attendances at our Emergency Departments – from people drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; to those injured in road traffic accidents; to those who take part in other risky activities, like tombstoning, or undertaking DIY or gardening without safety equipment,” June Barnard, chief nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said.
“Ultimately our message is go out, have fun and please be safe and look after each other.”
She added: “Every holiday weekend we expect to see a rise in those attending at the Emergency Department – which was previously called Accident & Emergency - with potentially avoidable injuries and trauma. Ultimately that may affect our ability to admit and treat someone who unavoidably needs to come to hospital, as well as we otherwise could have.
“We would also implore all road users to drive carefully, considerately and within the speed limit because if you have a serious accident, which could have been avoided, it impacts our ability to deal with others. Cyclists are at equal risk.
“The way people access urgent care has changed. If you have a problem that you would normally self-present to the Emergency Department for, but it is not serious or life-threatening, you should contact your GP practice or if it is closed, NHS24 on 111. You will then be directed to the most appropriate service for your problem.
“If, however, you are seriously ill or injured please dial 999 or attend the ED immediately. This process has not changed.
“The ED is still open and seeing patients who need the skill and expertise of our emergency physicians and nurses.”
Hospital manager at Dr Gray’s, in Elgin, Alasdair Pattinson said more than 7,000 people were expected to attend the MacMoray this weekend at Cooper Park in Elgin.
He said: “The weather forecast for Moray looks good for Saturday and we hope people have a great day – it has the potential to be a great event for our area.
“We’d very much prefer if you enjoyed the festival, and we don’t see you at our ED. Make sure and stay hydrated, drink plenty water, and if you are fair skinned you might even need to take sun cream along.
“If you are having a few beers or glasses of wine – whether at the festival or not - please drink responsibly.
“We can all play our part in avoiding attendances at ED or indeed an admission to a hospital bed by taking as much care of ourselves and each other as possible.”
Alasdair added: “Please be sensible, be responsible for yourself and stay safe this weekend, the hospitals across the north – be it Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Dr Gray’s, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital or any of our community hospitals – continue to be under pressure and are exceptionally busy.”