TV stars remind people not to use emergency departments for non-emergencies

Stars from local comedy show ‘Give my head peace’ have teamed up with the Southern Health Trust once again to remind people not to use emergency departments unless the condition is serious and urgent.

‘Ma’, ‘Da’ and ‘Uncle Andy’ from the series feature in a short video designed to increase public understanding of the appropriate uses of the Emergency Department and to remind the public that saving lives is the priority.

Speaking to Newry Times, Gareth Hampton, Emergency Department Consultant said, “Please use the Emergency Department wisely. If you do not have a genuine life threating condition you should use other services available like Minor Injuries, GP or GP Out of Hours and Pharmacies that can help you.

Gareth adds, “So please #HelpUsHelpYou and think carefully before choosing the right service for your condition.”

Trust Medical Director, Dr Richard Wright said, “We have one of the fastest growing populations in Northern Ireland (particularly older people and children) and the number of people coming to our Emergency Departments during the winter months is increasing.

“Whilst we have measures in place to cope with rising number of patients and our staff will always do everything they can to treat everyone as quickly and safely as possible, we do need the people using our services to help us so that we are better able to help them,” he added.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Nov 29 2017. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry