People in East Sussex are being urged to make use of the right NHS service and only dial 999 for an ambulance or visit hospital accident & emergency departments in an emergency.
The call comes as local ambulance services and hospitals are coping with a recent rise in demand.
The recent cold and wet weather means more people have needed treatment for things such as falls and breathing problems, whilst seasonal flu has also been affecting people, leading to increased hospital admissions.
Mike Wood, Chief Executive of NHS East Susses Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother said:
“There is a wide range of NHS services available which can provide help and advice on a host of common problems and ailments and there are a number of things people can do to help themselves.
People should only be using the 999 ambulance service and hospital A&E departments in a genuine emergency.
These are services for people who are seriously ill and in need of emergency care. They are not for minor injuries or general health problems.”
The NHS’ top tips for getting the right treatment include:
• Stock up at home on common medicines, such as paracetemol, cold and flu remedies and cough medicine, so you are prepared if you fall ill with a cold, cough or flu bug.
• Go and see your local pharmacist who is qualified to give expert advice on a range of issues from sprains to stomach upsets.
• Call NHS Direct on tel 0845 46 47 for expert help and advice. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Contact your GP for help and advice
• Only dial 999 for an ambulance in an emergency.
• Only visit hospital accident and emergency departments in an emergency.
If you think a patient is suffering from one of the following you must dial 999 for an ambulance:
• heart attack (e.g. chest pain for more than 15 minutes)
• sudden unexplained shortness of breath
• heavy bleeding
• unconsciousness (even if the patient has regained consciousness)
• traumatic back/spinal/neck pain
You should also call for an ambulance if:
• you think the patient's illness or injury is life-threatening
• you think the illness or injury may become worse, or even life-threatening on the way to the hospital
• moving the patient/s without skilled people could cause further injury
• the patient needs the skills or equipment of the ambulance service and its personnel
• traffic conditions could cause a delay in getting the person to hospital and time could be critical
