A FRESH warning not to go to A&E unless it is urgent or a matter of life or death has been issued after University Hospital experienced its second busiest day ever.
Some 667 people arrived at the emergency department and more than 150 ambulances on Monday, July 14.
On a normal day the department would see around 500 patients and 130 ambulances, and bosses have admitted they were struggling to cope.
Chief operating officer David Eltringham said: “Despite the hard work of staff we are struggling to ensure the people who attend our A&E department are seen in a timely manner.
“That’s why we are working closely with our partners to ensure emergencies continue to be prioritised and receive the urgent care they need.
“When people go to an emergency department, often they could be seen and treated quicker elsewhere, for example by their GP, walk-in or urgent care centre, pharmacies or by calling 111.”
Rugby MP Mark Pawsey backed the call for people to consider whether they really need to go to hospital.
“We often hear stories of people calling 999 when it is not necessary to do so and this takes that valuable emergency resource away from someone who truly needs it.
“I would hope residents would heed the advice being given by UHCW Trust and seek out medical assistance from the appropriate place when they require it.
“However, in cases of emergency they should always dial 999 or visit A&E for treatment and I would expect my constituents to always get the best possible service at all times.”
