HEALTH bosses are warning residents they face 'long waits' at Blackburn Hospital's A&E department as the service is 'extremely busy'.
The East Lancashire NHS Trust posted the appeals on social media four times yesterday starting at 11.30am.
A spokesman posted at 8pm that "Our EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT is extremely busy right now and less urgent cases will face a longer wait.
Our EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT is extremely busy right now and less urgent cases will face a longer wait. If you are feeling unwell but it is not life-threatening, please check your symptoms at NHS 111 online FIRST for advice on the most appropriate care.
— East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (@ELHT_NHS) October 6, 2020
▶️ https://t.co/JgfGMCR4mW pic.twitter.com/6XyqCVt0OF
"If you are feeling unwell but it is not life-threatening, please check your symptoms at NHS 111 online FIRST for advice on the most appropriate care."
They also posted about the news at around 5pm asking people to "Think - Is the Emergency Department the right place for you?"
Please only come to our Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening emergency ⚠️
— East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (@ELHT_NHS) October 6, 2020
For all other medical issues, please call NHS 111 or use the symptom checker at: https://t.co/JgfGMCR4mW. This will advise you what care you need to access and when. pic.twitter.com/gpEZFaXiSK
Please only come to our Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening emergency ⚠️
— East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (@ELHT_NHS) October 6, 2020
For all other medical issues, please call NHS 111 or use the symptom checker at: https://t.co/JgfGMCR4mW. This will advise you what care you need to access and when. pic.twitter.com/gpEZFaXiSK
At 11.30am, they also posted: "Our Emergency Department is extremely busy right now. If you are feeling unwell but it is not life-threatening, please check your symptoms at NHS 111 online first.
⚠️ IMPORTANT ⚠️
— East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (@ELHT_NHS) October 6, 2020
Our Emergency Department is extremely busy right now. If you are feeling unwell but it is not life-threatening, please check your symptoms at NHS 111 online first. You could save yourself a trip to the hospital by accessing more appropriate care elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/ky1EwgAlpa
"You could save yourself a trip to the hospital by accessing more appropriate care elsewhere."
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