29/01/10 Do your bit to make sure A & E is available to those in need

AS A & E departments across the region have been battling with an unusually high level of demand this week, NHS Buckinghamshire is urging the public to ?Choose Well? to ensure that emergency treatment is available to those who need it most.

People with less serious conditions can do their bit to help relieve the strain on their local hospitals by visiting an Emergency Medical Centre, Minor Injuries Unit, their GP, the pharmacist, or self caring for their condition at home.

Buckinghamshire GP, Dr Geoff Payne says: ?Accident and Emergency Departments are there to treat people whose conditions are crtical or life threatening. Turning up at A&E with a minor ailment could mean a long wait while someone with a more serious condition gets the emergency treatment they need.

?By choosing the right service for their condition rather than going to hospital, the public can not only help to relieve the pressure on critical services, but may also find that they are seen by a qualified medical professional more quickly and conveniently.?

For more information about the alternative services that are available, go to either LINK
or www.nhschoices.nhs
or call NHS Direct on
0845 46 47