PEOPLE across South Gloucestershire are being reminded to only attend accident and emergency (A&E) services for appropriate injuries this Easter bank holiday, so serious and life-threatening injuries can be focussed on.

The NHS South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the a GP-led body responsible for planning and buying healthcare for the local population, is reminding residents to not attend A&E services for minor injuries and illnesses which could be treated more quickly, elsewhere or at home.

The group is encouraging people to help relieve pressure on busy emergency services while also saving themselves a lengthy wait at A&E, by choosing wisely for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

Dr Ann Sephton, deputy clinical chair and lead for emergency and urgent care at NHS South Gloucestershire CCG, said: “Faced with a minor illness or injury such as a cut, graze or burn, many people still turn to A&E particularly over bank holidays and weekends.

“But in fact they could often receive treatment much more quickly by using one of the many NHS other services provided for exactly this type of situation.

“Pharmacies, walk-in centres and minor injuries units can provide a wide range of treatment and advice for minor illness and injuries. If you are at all unsure of where to go, you can get urgent medical advice by calling 111.

“By choosing wisely, people could save themselves a lengthy wait in A&E, while making sure that emergency services are free to focus on people with really serious and life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

“Medical emergencies include chest pain, stroke, severe abdominal pain, severe bleeding, severe breathing difficulties, major broken bones and serious head injuries – for everything else consider calling 111.”

Urgent care options available for non-emergency care over the bank holiday include pharmacies, out-of-hours GP services, NHS 111, minor injuries units and walk-in centres.

Carrie Wedgwood, head of specialist services for Sirona, the not-for-profit social enterprise which runs Yate Minor Injuries Unit, said: “Choosing the right place for the right treatment will make things easier for everyone and ensure you get the best treatment in as timely a manner as possible.

"Our MIU at Yate can provide local treatment or advice for a minor injury such as a cut or a sprain but does not deal with minor illnesses.

“We have expert staff on hand throughout the bank holiday weekend and we can treat people without an appointment.

“Together with other services such as NHS 111 and out-of-hours GPs, we’re part of a network of urgent care services provided by the local NHS that’s delivering advice and treatment where and when people need it helping to ensure that everyone can get the care they need quickly.”

Options for non-emergency advice and treatment this Easter bank holiday weekendare  self-care, which is often the best choice for very minor injuries and illnesses.

Coughs, colds and small cuts or grazes can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

Pharmacies can advise on common illnesses such as diarrhoea, headaches, coughs and colds and particularly for the over-60s can help to prevent minor illnesses becoming more serious. A number of pharmacists will remain open throughout during the bank holiday: check www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/openingtimes for details.

NHS 111 is the 24-hour advice and information line for when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. Staff can also provide information about services and calls are free.

GP out-of-hours services are available for when you need GP advice but your local surgery is closed. Call NHS 111 for information.

An NHS minor injuries unit in Yate is open throughout the weekend for advice and treatment. See https://www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/your-health-local-services/health-services/feeling-unwell/ for details or call NHS 111.