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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ethan Davies

'Emergency services are very busy' - People urged to avoid Stepping Hill A&E

NHS services in Stockport say they are 'very busy' on Monday (August 16), with patients being asked to avoid A&E at Stepping Hill Hospital if possible.

People are being asked to consider alternatives to hospital treatment, such as accessing NHS 111 online or via the phone.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation which runs Stepping Hill, also advised that other areas were seeing high levels of demand.

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"Emergency services are very busy both here and elsewhere," a statement on social media said.

"Please remember to keep our A&E for emergencies.

"Don't forget the alternatives - NHS 111 is available as your first option call or visit https://111.nhs.uk".

The warning comes follows a spate of other hospitals in Greater Manchester putting out similar messages recently.

Last week, Salford Royal NHS Trust activated its 'full capacity protocol' last Monday (August 9), after seeing 'heightened pressures'.

And, days later, the Manchester Evening News reported how desperate the situation has become among NHS staff.

"The demand for health and care services is exceptionally high," Sarah Price, interim chief officer for Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said.

"We want to make sure everyone can access the high-quality care they need in the right place, the first time and we are introducing a number of measures to help manage demand.

“Although the data shows we are coping, we recognise that staff are feeling pressured, and fatigued. We are doing everything we can to support colleagues with their own wellbeing as well as safely managing a high workload."

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