Health leaders encourage patients to consider if A&E is best place for their care

Responding to NHS England launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the range of different ways patients can access care, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said:

“With the NHS already facing rising demand from an early surge in flu patients, health service leaders are doing all they can to ensure all patients are kept safe and receive the care they need. While these conditions make up a very small proportion of A&E attendances, we would encourage patients to consider if emergency departments are the best places for them to receive care.

“To manage growing demand NHS leaders are continuing to set up viable alternatives to emergency care for some patients – including better access to GPs, urgent treatment centres, walk-in centres, and support in the community for falls and frailty. Specialist respiratory hubs, managed by primary care, or minor injuries units, can also help manage A&E demand. Older patients especially should also benefit from neighbourhood services like Urgent Community Response and expanded primary care options such as Pharmacy First.”