WARRINGTON & Halton Hospitals is appealing to residents to use local walk-in centres to ease pressures on the A&E department at Warrington Hospital which continues to be under “extreme pressures.”
With many people choosing to visit A&E with minor ailments the extreme pressures are causing lengthy waiting times.
Urgent treatment centres are a facility you can go to if you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation. They’re equipped to diagnose and treat many of the most common ailments people go to A&E for.
You may be referred to an urgent treatment centre by a GP or NHS 111 who can book time slots to attend at the centre. You can also just turn up and walk-in.
There is also an online facility whereby people can check the waiting times before turning up.
https://dashboard.whh.nhs.uk/ed/?platform=hootsuite
Dr Alex Crowe, Executive Medical Director, WHH said:“Our hospital Emergency Department is currently under extreme pressure and we need your help.
“We are seeing a rise in patients coming into the hospital which means much longer waiting times with increased pressure on staff who are working hard to ensure that they see and treat the sickest patients first.
“Please remember that Accident & Emergency is for life-threatening emergencies or accidents only. Lots of patients that are coming to the department could be better treated or advised elsewhere.
“If you need urgent medical advice and are not sure where to go then please ring NHS 111 and the trained advisors will direct you to the right service.
“Your GP should be your first point of call, if it is NOT a life-threatening emergency or accident. Your GP is open and your practice can be contacted online, through an app or by phone so you can be assessed.
“If you need a face-to-face appointment you will be given one. Measures have been put in place to protect patients and staff from COVID-19, so it is safe to attend.
“High street Pharmacists are also qualified to give advice and dispense medicine for a range of illnesses including coughs, colds, stomach upsets and skin conditions. They can provide many treatments ‘over the counter’ to help you get better at home.
“We also have two excellent Urgent Treatment Centres which are open 8am – 9pm every day in Widnes and Runcorn. There is convenient parking and a free shuttle bus between Runcorn and Warrington hospitals.
“Our closest Urgent Care Centre is based at Halton Hospital in Entrance 2, Halton General Hospital, Hospital Way, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2DA.”
Dr Colin Wong
He says that with the easing of lockdown more children have been mixing and coming into contact with viruses usually seen in the winter months.
These include a range of respiratory infections, bronchiolitis, para flu and rhinovirus, all of which produce symptoms of cough, runny nose and fever. These can often be treated at home.
He said:If your child has a temperature then giving them medicine or tablets containing either ibuprofen or paracetamol, should help to bring their temperature down.
“However, if the child continues to deteriorate, then concerned parents should get medical advice and help. If in doubt call NHS 111 and they will be able to signpost you to the right treatment in the right place.
“Concerned parents can also take their children to the Runcorn Urgent Treatment Centre, at Halton, which is open every day between 8am and 9pm or if you live in Widnes – there is also the Widnes Urgent Treatment Centre.
“Also, local Walk-in Centres, GP practices or your local Pharmacist are fully trained to give expert advice on how to treat minor ailments.”
Conditions that can be treated at an urgent treatment centre include:
sprains and strains
suspected broken limbs
minor head injuries
cuts and grazes
bites and stings
minor scalds and burns
ear and throat infections
skin infections and rashes eye problems
coughs and colds
feverish illness in adults
feverish illness in children
abdominal pain
vomiting and diarrhoea
emergency contraception
For the latest information on waiting times click on the link below.
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1 Comment
My friend went to the Widnes Walk-in and saw how she’s walking, and said “what do you expect me to do? We can’t scan you or give you anything?” It seems she may have a fractured hip….