Southend Hospital emergency department on black alert
29 December 2014
Health Care
Southend University Hospital is currently on black alert due to a higher than usual number of acutely ill patients requiring a hospital bed.
To assist us in dealing with the situation, we would like to
remind members of the public to only visit the accident and
emergency department if they are seriously unwell or critically
injured. Choking, chest pain, blacking out, blood loss and
fractures are all considered emergencies, and those with symptoms
like this should not hesitate to visit their local A&E
department.
Sue Hardy, acting chief executive at Southend University
Hospital, said: "The health system in Essex is under significant
pressure today with lots of illness in the community. The emergency
department is extremely busy and patients are being warned that
those attending with 'non-urgent' conditions will wait much longer
than usual as patients are prioritised according to how unwell they
are.
"We would like to remind anyone who is unsure of the best course
of action to always ring NHS 111 for health advice 24 hours a day,
seven days a week."
If you need more than telephone advice when your GP is closed,
then you can avoid several hours' wait in the emergency department
by telephoning NHS 111 for an appointment with your GP's
out-of-hours service which runs from 6.30pm until 8.00am Monday to
Friday and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays.
In many instances, pharmacies are a good choice.
Pharmacists can help give advice and over-the-counter remedies for
diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches, coughs and colds, as well
as selling bandages and supports for minor twists and
sprains.
There is also St Luke's Walk in Centre, Pantile Avenue, which is
open at weekends and Bank Holidays from 8.00am to 8.00pm. The
walk-in service offers treatment, information and advice for a
range of minor illnesses and injuries including:
- cuts and grazes
- coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms
- stomach upsets
- minor scalds and burns
- strains and sprains
- minor ear, throat, skin and eye conditions.
Southend Medical Centre, 50-52 London Road, Southend are
providing extended access to care to all Southend residents over
the weekend period, on Saturday from 8.00am - 1.00pm and Sunday
from 1.00pm - 6.00pm. Patients can walk-in during these
times.
Dr Roger Gardiner, lead clinician for NHS 111 and out of hours
services in south Essex, said: "NHS 111 is available around the
clock if you need urgent medical help that is not an emergency. You
will speak to highly trained call handlers, supported by
experienced nurses or paramedics who will clinically assess you,
provide appropriate advice or refer you to the most appropriate NHS
service."