People needing medical treatment are being urged only to use Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s A&E department in an emergency after an unexpected hike in demand for the service.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust says this increase is at a level consistent with other hospitals across the country – but it is encouraging people to make use of services such as the 111 advice line to make sure those most in need get the correct care.
Dr Tina Kenny, medical director for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “It is important that people only use their local A&E department if they are seriously unwell or critically injured. This allows us to treat the very sick people who need our care the most.”
Other options available for patients who are unwell include the minor injuries and illness unit at Wycombe Hospital, their GP and pharmacist and the NHS 111 advice and support service, which is free and provides telephone support 24 hours a day seven days a week.
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