The NHS in Lambeth and south east London is re-running last year’s successful campaign to raise awareness about the alternatives to A&E.
Winter is a very busy time for local Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. The season puts severe pressure on hospitals with far too many people turning up for treatment for seasonal illnesses, rather than serious life threatening emergencies.
Lambeth GP and Chair of NHS Lambeth CCG, Dr Adrian McLachlan said: “We hope that people will remember this campaign from last year and think before going to A&E if it is not a health emergency.
“Last winter, 1800 patients people a day attended A&E in south east London. Based on national surveys, we know that about 800 of them could have got quicker and more appropriate treatment elsewhere.
“In Lambeth our poster campaign has focused on sore throats, upset tummies and coughs and colds because people suffering with these conditions often visit A&E when they don’t need to. In most cases a visit to your local pharmacist for advice and rest at home will get you better as quickly as anything else.”
Over the coming weeks the yellow figures will be appearing in posters on buses and billboards across the borough.
The campaign will be highlighting the alternative places people can get the expert advice and treatment they need locally, including: pharmacies, Gracefield Gardens Walk in Centre at 2-8 Gracefield Gardens, Streatham and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Urgent Care Centre.
For advice and information, see Don’t just go to A&E…
For more information, visit www.nhs.uk
