HEALTH leaders are urging residents in South Gloucestershire to use NHS services wisely over the coming weekend, after Southmead Hospital saw its busiest ever day.

The summer months often see an increase in people attending A&E with minor injuries and heat-related conditions that could be treated more effectively elsewhere such as at a Minor Injuries Unit or pharmacist.

Southmead Hospital’s Emergency Department saw one of its busiest weekends last week and with the ongoing heatwave and city events such as the St Paul’s Carnival due to bring thousands of visitors to Bristol, hospital doctors and GPs are reminding people to check their options for minor injuries or illnesses, and use A&E for serious and life-threatening emergencies only.

Dr Lesley Ward, GP and clinical lead for unplanned care at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This weekend promises to be a fantastic time with wonderful weather forecast and some really great events taking place including England playing in the quarter final of the World Cup and the famous St Paul’s Carnival in Bristol.

“We hope that people have an enjoyable time without any illness or injury but if you do need to seek medical advice for any reason, please take a minute to check your options and make sure you’re using the right service for your needs.

“Our A&E units across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are coping well and will still offer excellent emergency care quickly for those who really need it. However, they remain under pressure after one of our busiest ever weekends. You can help to relieve the pressure by using alternatives such as Minor Injuries Units and pharmacists for non-emergency conditions.

“If you’re not sure which service to use or what’s available over the weekend, just dial NHS 111, at any time, for help. You can also help yourself to stay well in the first place by keeping hydrated and drinking alcohol in moderation.”

Leilah Dare, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) lead emergency department consultant, said: “Patients have been coming to us for a variety of reasons and some of these have been linked to the recent hot weather.

“We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine and the summer activities but please do take care of yourself in the heat: stay hydrated, don’t drink too much alcohol and remember to wear sun protection or cover up. If you feel unwell after sitting in the sun go inside into a cool room and drink some water.

“If you have a healthcare complaint that has been ongoing for several weeks, or are considering visiting A&E after work because it is a convenient time, the likelihood is that you don’t need the services of the emergency team and we would ask you to visit a more appropriate healthcare provider, such as your local pharmacist, GP or out of hours service. Other services will also usually see you much more quickly than A&E when it’s not an emergency.”

Detailed advice on health services can be found on the BNSSG CCG website at bnssgccg.nhs.uk. A free ‘Service Finder’ app is also available to download.

Minor Injuries Units are there to help with injuries that need attention urgently but are not critical or life threatening – such as sprains, strains, cuts and grazes, bites, minor burns, broken bones and minor head injuries.

If you need to see a GP outside normal surgery hours because you have an urgent medical need that can't wait until your surgery re-opens, you can call NHS 111 for assistance. If required, they will direct you to the out-of-hours urgent care GP service.