Health bosses in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire have issued a reminder about the alternative services available to Accident and Emergency with University Hospital of North Staffordshire’s A and E Department extremely busy.
Outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug (Norovirus) haven’t helped ease pressures with some wards being closed to new admissions. A&E has seen an influx of patients with minor ailments that could be self-managed or treated better elsewhere.
People are being asked to consider the alternatives which maybe more appropriate for their needs, Including:
Seeing your doctor: For medical advice, examinations and for illnesses you can’t shake off or for prescriptions. You should be able to get an appointment with your surgery within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. If your doctors are closed call your doctor’s surgery and you will be transferred to the GP Out of Hours Service.
Walk-in Centre/Minor Injuries Unit etc: If you have a minor illness and/or injury such as a scald or sprain that doesn’t require an A&E visit but you can’t wait for a GP appointment, visit your nearest Walk-in Centre:-
Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre in Stafford Street, ST1 1LW where people can walk in and see a doctor between 8am - 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year without having to be registered – contact 0300 123 6759.
The Haywood Walk-in Centre in Burslem, High Lane, Burslem, ST6 7AG, open 7am – 10pm weekdays, 9am – 10pm weekends and bank holidays, for treatment of minor injuries with appointments not necessary – contact 01782 673500.
Leek Minor Injuries Unit – at Leek Moorlands Hospital, Ashbourne Road, ST13 5BQ, open 8am-8pm, every day including bank holidays – 01538 487103 Midway Medical and Walk-in Centre, The Midway, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1QG. Open every day – Tel: 01782 663757 – you can walk in to get an appointment
NHS Direct: If you’re unsure of your symptoms and want expert advice, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the call is free. You will be assessed and advised by a qualified nurse on the best course of action to take and whether or not you need to seek professional help.
A and E or 999: for anything that is classed as an emergency including choking, chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe blood loss, broken bones, , difficulty breathing, deep wounds or a suspected stroke.
Pharmacy: Pharmacies offer more than prescriptions. They can advise on bugs and viruses, coughs and colds, aches and pains, tummy upsets and allergies. To find your nearest pharmacist, send a free text with the word ‘Pharmacy,’ to 64746.
Self-care: Winter always brings more coughs, colds and sore throats. If you start to have symptoms of flu or a heavy cold, stay at home, keep warm and take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.
