GWH is currently extremely busy in its Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre and people waiting to be seen face long waits due to the high volume of people attending.
This is likely to continue for the next few days due to New Year’s Eve and seasonal illnesses.
Given the pressure the hospital is currently under, patients should consider whether it would be better for them to seek alternative forms of treatment rather than visiting Great Western Hospital. It may be better for patients to call NHS 111 to be directed to the most appropriate form of healthcare. Patients whose condition is very serious or life-threatening should not hesitate to visit the Emergency Department.
GWH's teams work really hard to see all patients as quickly as possible, but those arriving with less serious injuries and illnesses may face a particularly long wait for treatment due to the number of people attending. They are sorry for any distress caused.
People should use the NHS 111 service if they have an urgent medical problem and are not sure what to do.
The service is free to call and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers will speak to a fully-trained adviser, who will advise which local service can help and arrange a face-to-face appointment if needed.
If people need help and are unsure where to go, for further advice please see Help Us Help You - Stay Well This Winter.
People should seek help as soon as they start to feel unwell, to prevent their condition from becoming more serious.
Relatives also have a really important part to play. If your relative is about to be discharged from hospital, please help by making sure they have all their belongings ready and you are there to pick them up, or arrangements have been made for them getting home - please see Leaving hospital.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article