UPDATE: First Minister John Swinney has issued an urgent warning to Scots, advising them to only visit accident and emergency (A&E) services for “genuine emergencies.” This comes as health services brace for an exceptionally busy festive period, with demand expected to surge significantly.
During a visit to NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff in Cardonald, Glasgow, Swinney emphasized that the upcoming holiday break will put even greater pressure on health services. While he noted a recent decline in flu cases, he remains cautious as hospitals prepare for an influx of patients.
“Only attend A&E if you have a genuine emergency that requires urgent medical treatment,” Swinney stressed. His comments highlight the critical situation facing Scotland’s healthcare system as Christmas and New Year approach.
Michael Dickson, chief executive of SAS, echoed these sentiments, noting that winter always brings increased demand. Currently, over 50% of SAS calls are managed without needing to transport patients to A&E. However, he cautioned that lengthy handover times are impacting the service’s ability to respond quickly to emergency calls.
“Expect longer wait times for non-critical patients,” Dickson warned, urging the public to use services responsibly. He thanked NHS staff for their dedication during this challenging time.
The NHS 24 executive medical director, Dr Ron Cook, predicted a “significant rise in demand” for services during the holidays. “Public holidays will limit access to GP and pharmacy services for four consecutive days, increasing reliance on NHS 24,” he explained.
To mitigate potential issues, Dr Cook encouraged residents to prepare ahead of time. “Make sure you have your prescription medicines, stock up on over-the-counter remedies, and check in on vulnerable friends or family,” he advised. By being proactive, individuals can protect their festive plans and prevent unnecessary health interruptions.
With A&E expected to be overwhelmed, authorities are urging everyone to utilize the NHS Inform website for symptom checking and, if necessary, call NHS 24 at 111 for guidance.
As health services gear up for the festive period, the message is clear: prioritize genuine emergencies and help alleviate the pressure on Scotland’s dedicated healthcare workers.
