Royal Berkshire Hospital seeing record breaking numbers of people attend A&E

Video report by ITV Meridian's Mel Bloor

Clinicians at the Royal Berkshire Hospital are warning that they are facing unprecedented demand, as unsustainable numbers of people turn up at the Emergency Department.

The hospital is breaking records on a daily basis, as people who could have been treated at other NHS services turn up at the department.

They're asking people to "think" and ask people to use alternative services such as NHS 111, GP's or local pharmacies.

If it is really an emergency patients should still attend the department, however those with a lower clinical priority will have to wait to be seen.

Dr Omar Nafousi, Clinical Lead for Emergency Medicine said:

"Sometimes there will be a bit of a delay because like I said we are seeing an unbelievable amount of patients at the moment. 

"So be patient with us, be patient with my staff, they are working extremely hard to provide the best possible care and we will get to you, we will see you."

The warning comes days after South Central Ambulance Service said it was under "immense pressure".

SCAS says it is taking almost 2,000 emergency calls a day to 999 when it normally receives 1,600. It's 111 service is seeing more than 4,500 calls a day, up from 3,000.

What other services can you use?

Urgent Treatment Centres

Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) are GP-led, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, offer appointments that can be booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend A&E for.

UTCs will also ease the pressure on hospitals, leaving other parts of the system free to treat the most serious cases. The UTC offer will result in decreased attendance at A&E, or, in co-located services offer the opportunity for streaming at the front door. All UTC services will be considered a Type 3 A&E.

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GP Practice

A General Practitioner (GP) is your family doctor and is the main point of contact for general healthcare for NHS patients. All UK residents are entitled to the services of an NHS GP.

GPs are highly skilled doctors who support patients throughout their lives. They help you to manage your health and prevent illness and are trained in all aspects of general medicine. This includes child health, mental health, adult medicine, the diagnosis and management of acute medical and surgical problems and the management of long term health conditions.

GPs assess, diagnose, treat and manage illness. They carry out screening for some cancers and promote general health and wellbeing. GPs act as a patient’s advocate, supporting and representing a patient’s best interests to ensure they receive the best and most appropriate health and/or social care.

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Pharmacy

As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

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