NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is reminding people of the range of healthcare services available across Greater Glasgow and Clyde as Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments experience high levels of demand.
A&E is there for people with life- or limb-threatening injuries and illnesses. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
For minor injuries and illnesses, however, there are a range of other services which may be able to provide the right care closer to home and more quickly.
This could include self-care at home using trusted NHS resources, advice and treatment from a community pharmacy, or other local healthcare services. People attending A&E with conditions which are not life- or limb-threatening may face longer waits while clinical teams prioritise the most seriously unwell patients.
Dr Claire Harrow, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHSGGC, said: “Our A&E teams are working incredibly hard to care for patients, and anyone experiencing a life- or limb-threatening emergency should call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
“For minor injuries and illnesses, there are a number of other services available which may be able to provide the care and advice you need more quickly and closer to home.
“Taking a moment to consider the most appropriate service for your needs could save you time, while helping our A&E teams focus on those patients who need emergency care most.”
NHSGGC has online advice covering some of the most common injuries and illnesses (https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/how-to-manage-some-common-conditions/), including information on managing symptoms at home and when to seek further or urgent help.
Anyone who is unsure where to turn can visit the NHS Inform website (https://www.nhsinform.scot/) or use the NHS 24 Online app (https://www.nhs24.scot/nhs24-online-app/). You can also get urgent advice at any time by calling NHS 24 on 111.
Further information on accessing the right care in the right place is available on the NHSGGC website:
- How to manage some common injuries and illnesses: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/how-to-manage-some-common-conditions/
- Right Care, Right Place: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/
