NHS Forth Valley call on residents to only attend A&E when necessary

Accident and emergency departments across Scotland continue to observe rising waiting times.

Residents across the Forth Valley are being urged to dial NHS 24 first if their condition isn't life threatening. 

The call comes from NHS Forth Valley, who say doing so can help avoid long waits in the Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. 

It's after waiting times in A&E wards continue to climb across the country.

Andrew Murray, Medical Director for NHS Forth Valley said:

"We are seeing higher than usual numbers of very sick patients attending our Emergency Department who need immediate care. This means some other patients have had to wait longer than usual to be seen and we apologise to anyone who has experienced a long wait.

"Our staff are doing everything possible to reduce delays however local people can avoid lengthy waits in ED by calling NHS 24 first on 111. They can arrange for you to quickly speak to a local doctor or nurse in Forth Valley who can provide immediate health advice or arrange an appointment for you to attend our Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Care Centre so you don’t need to
wait when you attend.

"So, unless it’s life-threatening or very urgent, for example a suspected heart attack, stroke or severe breathing difficulties, please do not come to the Emergency Department as you may be redirected to another NHS service or face a very long wait."