Several of our staff feature in videos that will be shared on our social media channels this week, which urge our local communities to seek advice before attending our Emergency Departments (ED) at Queen’s and King George hospitals.

With ED attendances on the increase, the short videos explain who to contact in an emergency, plus alternative ways to access non-urgent treatment if someone is unwell or injured.

Dr Neel Reddy, an ED Consultant at our Trust, said: “If you have an urgent, but non-life threatening health problem, please ring 111.

“Only call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.”

111 is the free NHS non-emergency number. Once connected, you will speak with a trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals, who can help. They will ask questions about your symptoms and recommend the best course of action, such as a GP appointment, a visit to a pharmacist or attending ED. 

We are here to treat anyone who has an emergency, however, we do ask that if it’s not an emergency to please try other services first. Your local pharmacist can give advice for many illnesses, such as colds and flu, diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches, travel advice, rashes, or sore throats. 

All four videos will appear on our social media channels over the course of this week. Our first below is Dr Neel Reddy, Consultant in our Emergency Department.