Friday 29 March 2024
 5.9°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Health / Health board reminds folk to only visit A&E for emergencies

Gilbert Bain Hospital. Photo: Shetland News

PEOPLE are being reminded not to visit A&E at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick at the moment unless they have a medical emergency or a child requiring assessment.

NHS Shetland director of nursing and acute services Kathleen Carolan said if the person’s need is not obviously urgent they should ring NHS 24 for initial advice.

“If they do need to come to accident and emergency for assessment they will be advised to do this,” she said.

“That assessment at a weekend might include seeing a GP or receiving advice from a GP.”

The reminder comes amid a spike in coronavirus cases, which has seen four people hospitalised in the last few days.

NHS Shetland said there has been a “high volume” of people visiting A&E when they should be calling NHS 24 first.

NHS 24 111 service provides urgent care advice day or night for health and dental support when GP practices or the dentist is closed.

By calling 111, people can access support if they are in mental distress or they think they need A&E but their condition is not life threatening.

If needed, NHS 24 can organise an appointment at A&E at a pre-arranged time so that we can ensure you are given an appointment when the department is not busy.

People may be offered an appointment in the new same day emergency care unit as an alternative to A&E and this can also be accessed via NHS 24 111.

At the weekend, a GP or primary care nurse can also be accessed via the NHS 24 111 service.

GP practices (other than the public holidays) will remain open but will be phoning patients and only arranging face to face assessments when required.

People are reminded to call 999 in an emergency. An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation and examples include:

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 
  • Loss of consciousness
  • An acute confused state
  • Fits that are not stopping
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe burns or scalds

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or a stroke. Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma, such as a serious road traffic accident, a fall from a height or a serious head injury.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.