A&E staff are under ‘immense pressure’ because hundreds of patients with minor ailments are turning up for treatment at NHS Lanarkshire emergency departments.

The health board is warning patient safety is being compromised as emergency treatment is delayed by non-urgent complaints.

Patients are instead being advised to use alternative services, including NHS Inform, NHS 24 and local pharmacies offering minor ailment services, as well as GPs and dentists.

Winter months are normally the busiest but accident and emergency services have been under ‘exceptional pressure’ throughout the summer months, according to NHS Lanarkshire.

Health bosses are concerned this will get worse as winter approaches.

On some days in recent months, Lanarkshire’s three A&E departments saw almost 20% more patients than this time last year.

Calum Campbell, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, explains: “Our services are under immense pressure. It’s as if we are in middle of winter. I urge everyone to think carefully before attending our A&E services, as a quicker, alternative solution could be the most effective answer, saving time and resources.  

“We need to ensure we continue to provide a safe environment for our patients and a safe place of work for all our staff.

“There are literally hundreds of patients using our emergency services when they could be seeking help via NHS 24 or from their local pharmacy or GP practice. If someone has been involved in a serious accident or a victim of an emergency, then go to our A&E services. If not, seek treatment from other local services.

“Our redirection policy is being implemented and enforced by all our hospital staff with immediate effect so, unless you have suffered an accident or illness that requires the urgent services of an A&E department then we urge patients not to go to our A&E.

“If you do, you will either be redirected to one of our other services or face a lengthy wait whilst those who meet the criteria are seen first.

“Our staff continue to do an outstanding job 24/7 within very difficult circumstances. We are asking the people of Lanarkshire to please consider the most effective way to seek treatment as the answer doesn’t always lie with our emergency services.”