A&E for emergency use only campaign launched across Brent
Company news
Nov 19, 2015
Local GPs at Brent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are saying A&E is for life-threatening emergencies as they launch a new campaign today.
The campaign makes it clear that if you go to A&E when you could get help somewhere else, you are taking valuable NHS staff time away from life-threatening cases.
It’s important for patients to make the right choice and choose the right care for any minor conditions and common complaints. There are a range of other NHS services available to patients in Brent which can help patients much more quickly.
Dr Ethie Kong, Chair of Brent CCG, said:“A&E pressure is growing, particularly during the winter period, but many people are attending A&E with minor illnesses.
“The inappropriate use of A&E departments can put immense pressure on staff that need to attend to patients with more serious and life threatening conditions.
“If you choose A&E, when you could get help somewhere else, you are taking NHS staff time away from life-threating cases. There are alternatives NHS services that can save you time and are more conveniently located to you in Brent.”
Interim Chief Operating Officer Tina Benson, North West London Healthcare Trust said: “I would encourage everyone to only use an A&E department when it is really needed; this allows us to focus on those who are in need of specialist care. The Trust has two A&E departments at Ealing Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital. The A&E at Ealing Hospital tends to be quieter and able to see patients in a shorter amount of time, the urgent care centre at Central Middlesex Hospital is also open 24 hour day, 7 day a week.”
- Visit your pharmacist. Self-care can be the best option if you have a common complaint such as a cold so see your local pharmacist for free confidential advice and over the counter medicines.
- Call NHS 111. Trained staff on this free helpline can provide over the phone advice and direct you to the most appropriate NHS service in your area. This is not to be used for a 999 emergency.
- Just walk in. Urgent care centres and walk-in centres offer treatment for minor illnesses and injuries and patients can be seen without an appointment.
You can visit a GP access hub, for evening and weekend appointments, even if you are registered with a different GP practice. These are located in the following areas:
Harness – northern hub Wembley Health Centre
Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri 6pm-9pm
Sat and Sun 9am-3pm
Harness – southern hub Harness Harlesden Practice
Hilltop Primary Care Centre
Mon, Wed, Fri 6pm-9pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Harness – central hubRoundwood Park Medical Centre
Tues 6pm-9pm
Sat 9am-1pm
Kilburn Park Medical Centre Mon to Wed 6pm-9pm
Staverton SurgeryThurs to Fri 6pm-9pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Sun 9am-3pm
Kingsbury and Willesden hub (three sites)
The Welford Centre Mon to Fri 6pm-9pm
Sun 9am-3pm
Burnley PracticeMon to Fri 6pm-9pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Stag Lane Medical CentreMon, Weds 6pm-9pm
Sat 9am-12pm
Sudbury Primary Care CentreMon to Fri 6pm-9pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Sun 9am-3pm
Please remember that A&E and 999 services are for emergency and life-threatening conditions.