Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital have released a statement warning they are very busy right now.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said that if you are feeling unwell but it is not an emergency, the 111 number is available to call '24 hours a day, 365 days a year'.
A statement from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust read: "Our Emergency Departments are very busy at the moment so if you're feeling unwell but it's not an emergency call 111, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or go online https://111.nhs.uk/ where you will also find an online coronavirus service if you think you have symptoms. #HelpUsHelpYou."
Just two weeks ago, the trust warned that the emergency departments at St James’s Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary had become extremely busy with much larger numbers of patients presenting than usual, before releasing a similar statement today.
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The trust urged people to consider alternatives that might offer more appropriate care options, including local pharmacies, Walk-In Centres, and the NHS 111 website.
Dr Phil Wood, Chief Medical Officer at LTHT said: “We are currently seeing lots more people than we would expect at our Emergency Departments (EDs) at the LGI and St James’s.
“Many of the people coming require the urgent care provided by our emergency specialists, however, a number of people are attending with conditions that can be more appropriately treated elsewhere.
“This includes members of the public with non-threatening, long-standing conditions and minor injuries. By seeking alternative care for these types of conditions, you will be helping our highly-trained urgent care staff treat the sickest of patients that only they can care for.”
People presenting at the Emergency Departments who do not need to be seen urgently and could have used more appropriate NHS services elsewhere may wait a long time before being seen.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) is encouraging people to call NHS 111 if in doubt about the service they need.
