The Trust is currently facing significant pressure on services, and unprecedented attendances at our Emergency Department (A&E) at Hillingdon Hospital leading to extended wait times for patients seeking assessment and treatment.
The safety of our patients and our staff is always our top priority and we are working through who needs our help as quickly and as safely as we can. We must prioritise treatment for patients with life threatening conditions and injuries.
The Emergency Department is not always the first place to come when you require medical attention, and the alternatives can get people seen quicker and in a more appropriate place. If your condition is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online in the first instance, contact your GP, contact a local pharmacy for advice, or visit an Urgent Treatment Centre.
If you are directed to alternative care facilities, please accept the advice of our teams, as this will be in your best interest, and they are prioritising patients who are in desperate need of medical attention.
If your condition is not life-threatening, please help the NHS by:
- Visiting 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you need urgent medical help and are not sure what to do. You can also ring 111 to get straight through to mental health advice.
- Being ready to collect your family or loved ones from hospital as soon as they are medically well enough to leave. Hospital is not the best place to be once someone is ready for discharge.
- Not coming to the Emergency Department with minor injuries, as you will be signposted elsewhere.
- Using your local pharmacy if you can – they can help with a range of minor health issues including colds, skin problems and earaches. Every area has a late opening pharmacy and most have consulting rooms where you can ask for advice in private. Go to the NHS website to find your nearest open pharmacist.
- Contacting your GP practice or visit their website to get help. GP practices can arrange for you to speak to or see a GP or another healthcare professional. If you need help outside of normal hours, check your practice website for extended or enhanced access.
Remember, only call 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency.
See more advice about which service is most appropriate for your needs.