NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging parents and carers to think carefully before bringing their children to Accident & Emergency at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC).
The RHC provides emergency care for children and young people across the NHSGGC area, and while the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department there is among the best performing in the country, it is not immune to growing challenges from seasonal illnesses.
In recent weeks, the RHC’s A&E has seen an increase in the number of young patients presenting with respiratory conditions. That has added significantly to the pressures being faced by staff at the unit, as well as adding to the time many patients need to wait before receiving care.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse for Paediatrics and Neonatology at the RHC, shared some simple advice with parents:
“At this time of year, seasonal illnesses bring additional pressures to health services right across the country, and the RHC is experiencing particular challenges at the moment.
“Our staff are working hard every day to make sure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible and we would like to thank them all for their continuing commitment. However, we’re aware that some families are needing to wait longer than they would expect and we would like to apologise for any distress this might cause.
“The team at the RHC would advise that if your child is very ill or if you think their condition is particularly worrying, they should always attend A&E at the RHC, or you should call 999. However, in other circumstances it might be more appropriate to access the wide range of alternatives to A&E.
“When appropriate, using these services will be more convenient and will avoid a wait at A&E – and importantly they will allow your child to access treatment more quickly.”
If your child is unwell, NHSGGC encourages parents and carers to follow some simple suggestions and to think ABC before going to A&E:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping your child well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician will offer your child a range of services.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
If your child is particularly unwell, please attend A&E or call 999.
Parents and carers are also being reminded that flu infections are a particular issue among children and young people this winter, and one of the most important things they can do to protect their child is to get them vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is being offered in the form of a nasal spray to all school-aged pupils, all children aged 2-5 not yet in school and children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.
A wee scoosh up the nose is one of the most effective ways to avoid hospitalisation with flu for your child this winter.
It’s easy, completely painless and, as well as protecting children and young people, it can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.
If you have received an appointment for your child, please make sure they attend – however, if they have missed the appointment or you need to reschedule, please call the number on their appointment letter.
For more information about accessing the right care this winter, go to the NHSGGC website: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC
For more information about the child flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform: nhsinform.scot/childflu
