Leeds General Infirmary and St James' A&E departments 'extremely busy' as people urged to seek treatment elsewhere

Hospital A&E departments in Leeds have warned that they are "extremely busy" and urged people to seek treatment elsewhere if possible.
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The emergency departments at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital have reported that they are currently dealing with more patients than usual.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) said many people are attending who do not need urgent care, which is adding to pressures on staff.

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It has asked people who have non-life threatening issues to seek treatment elsewhere, such as GP surgeries.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) has urged people to seek alternative treatment rather than going to A&E if they do not need urgent care.Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) has urged people to seek alternative treatment rather than going to A&E if they do not need urgent care.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) has urged people to seek alternative treatment rather than going to A&E if they do not need urgent care.

The trust also warned that people who do go to A&E and do not need urgent care may have to wait a long time before being seen.

Dr Phil Wood, Chief Medical Officer at LTHT said: “We are currently seeing lots more people than we would expect at our Emergency Departments (EDs) at the LGI and St James’s.

"Many of the people coming require the urgent care provided by our emergency specialists, however, a number of people are attending with conditions that can be more appropriately treated elsewhere.

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"This includes members of the public with non-threatening, long-standing conditions and minor injuries.

"By seeking alternative care for these types of conditions, you will be helping our highly-trained urgent care staff treat the sickest of patients that only they can care for.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) is encouraging people to call NHS 111 if in doubt about the service they need and are asking patients to consider alternatives that might offer more appropriate care options, including local pharmacies, Walk-In Centres, and the NHS 111 website.

He added: “We are working closely with our partners in primary and secondary care to ensure patients are in the best place for the care they need.

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"If you’re not sure where to go for help visit the 111 website, and follow the prompts on-screen, which will point you to the right medical service for your needs. You can also call 111 from your phone when it’s urgent, but not a health emergency.

"This is also the number to call if you have a minor injury – such as a cut, sprain, burn or if you think you’ve broken a bone – as you’ll be able to get an appointment at an urgent treatment centre or minor injuries unit.”