Glasgow's A&E departments are busier than they would be in winter, health board officials have warned.
Services across the city have been described as 'stowed out' and 'creating a bottleneck at the front door' while frontline teams battle to look after those in the most urgent need of care.
The public is being urged to access unscheduled and emergency care through NHS inform, NHS24 and their GP to help support A&E teams by spreading demand.
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The current pressure is being attributed to covid, due to more, sicker patients presenting at A&E as a result of holding off during the pandemic as well as high staff absences due to the current spike of the virus.
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services for NHSGGC said: “Our staff are working around the clock to make sure we continue to see the sickest patients coming to our A&Es but we’re over capacity. Services are stowed out, creating a bottleneck at the front door, and as a result patients unfortunately are having to wait long periods of time to be treated.
“We’re in summer and our A&Es are comparable, if not busier than we’d normally expect during the winter months. The pressures run throughout the service, with beds unavailable for ongoing treatment within our hospitals as we manage challenges.
“Unless it’s life-threatening or very urgent, do not come to A&E. Use your pharmacy, phone your GP or call 111 to access NHSGGC’s virtual A&E. You might still face a wait to use these services, but for most people, you’ll be seen much faster than if you come to A&E.”
He added: “I am truly humbled by the ongoing efforts of our staff – they’re working incredibly hard in the face of these challenges. From care provided in the community - HCSPs, GPs, and pharmacists - through to all the staff across hospital and acute sites – everyone is being forced to manage different and new demands.
“It’s absolutely crucial for the public to help us now by really considering how they access urgent care. Do you need to come to A&E or could you be better served elsewhere?”
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