As hospital services remain under pressure from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is asking people to stop and think before attending the Emergency Department (ED), as it may not always be the best place to treat certain co
We are appealing for information following a fatal road crash on the Isle of Arran.
The incident happened around 3.50pm on Saturday, 19 September, 2020 on Mid Mayish Road, Brodick when a red Citreon car collided with a 78-year-old woman.
Emergency services attended and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Sergeant Stewart Taylor, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and we are encouraging anyone with any information to get in contact with officers.
“There were a number of passers-by at the time and we are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact police.
“If you were in the area at the time or have any potential dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist with our investigation, I would urge that you get in touch.”
Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 2647 of 19/09/20.
Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director and Emergency Department Consultant, explains: “As we move towards the winter months, our Emergency Departments are getting busier. This year, with the added pressure of COVID-19, our EDs are under even more pressure.
However, we know that some people who attend our EDs would receive more appropriate and quicker treatment elsewhere.
“So, we are asking members of the public to stop, think, and ask ‘Is it an emergency?’ If it is an emergency, come straight to the Emergency Department.
“That way we can ensure that our Emergency Departments are there for those who need it most – those with life-threatening emergencies, and injuries.”
If you do attend one of our EDs and your condition does not need the services of an Emergency Department, you may be redirected to a more appropriate service. These include GP surgery, NHS24, pharmacy, emergency dental service, pregnancy services and sexual health services.
Redirecting patients to more appropriate services will help our Emergency Departments run more efficiently and patients will be seen quicker.
Dr McGuffie adds: “We want to make sure that the right patient is seen at the right place at the right time with the right clinician. Our key message is to let people know the most appropriate time to visit an ED, and what are the available alternatives.
“And if you have COVID-19 symptoms, visit NHS Inform for advice and to book a test, and call NHS24 on 111 if symptoms worsen. The Emergency Department is not the correct route to take if you have mild symptoms or need a test.”
So remember:
• Your local pharmacy provides expert advice for common illnesses and ailments.
• Call NHS24 on 111 to access out-of-hours advice and services, or if you’re unsure where to go.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, visit www.nhsinform.scot for advice and to book a test, and call NHS24 on 111 if symptoms worsen.
• Your GP surgery is for an illness or injury that just won’t go away.
• The Emergency Department is for life-threatening emergencies and injuries.
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