DOCTORS in South Somerset are urging residents to only visit accident and emergency departments in case of an emergency.
With the departments at Somerset’s hospitals being increasingly stretched to deal with more and more patients, doctors are calling on people with only minor ailments to either treat it themselves, or go to a pharmacy.
Dr Ed Ford, a Minehead GP and Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group’s urgent care lead, said the service was coming under more and more pressure.
Dr Ford said: “Accident and emergency departments are there to help patients with life threatening or serious injury or illness and yet some people still think of them as an NHS express service for any minor ailment or illness.
“You can help yourself and save time by getting the right treatment for your level of illness.
“This could include advice or over-the-counter remedies from your local pharmacist, an appointment with your GP surgery, a visit to a community hospital minor injury unit or telephoning the NHS 111 helpline.”
The medical experts are urging people to keep basic items in bathroom medicine cabinets, such as plasters, paracetamol, a bandage and sticking plasters.
If troublesome symptoms persist or worsen see your GP. For more advice visit nhs.uk/Livewell
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