Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals are making a public appeal, urging people to carefully consider their need before visiting the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments, as both facilities experienced an unprecedented surge in patient numbers this week.
On Monday, the combination of scorching weather and a sharp rise in respiratory conditions such as asthma and hay fever led to over 700 individuals seeking treatment at Northwick Park Hospital, while Ealing Hospital attended to nearly 600 patients.
Adding to the strain, a three-day strike by junior doctors, commencing on Wednesday, is expected to further burden the emergency departments. Junior doctors comprise almost half of the total NHS doctor workforce, making the impact of the industrial action significant.
Dr. Jon Baker, Chief Medical Officer of London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), urged the public to consider alternative options before heading to A&E. He stated, “Many of the conditions we’re seeing this week can be treated swiftly and effectively by your local pharmacy or GP. Please help us by using these options as a first port of call unless your condition is life-threatening.”
Dr. Baker acknowledged the upcoming week’s challenges and appealed to patients, saying, “We’re doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, but we are expecting this week to be very challenging and ask patients not to come to the hospital unless it’s essential. Visit your pharmacy, GP practice, or call 111.nhs.uk if you need advice.”
In preparation for the strike, the hospitals have rescheduled planned operations and appointments to ensure the safety of their services. Dr. Baker expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured affected individuals and their families that their visits would be rearranged as soon as possible.
With the public appeal and necessary precautions taken, the hospitals aim to manage the surge in A&E attendance and continue providing crucial care to patients in need.
