Avoid A&E plea to patients (From Daily Echo)
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Winchester hospital's stay-away plea to patients with minor injuries or illnesses
1:50pm Monday 14th January 2013 in News
Avoid A&E plea to patients
HAMPSHIRE hospitals are urging residents with minor injuries or illnesses to seek alternative treatment.
Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital have asked anyone suffering with colds, sore throats or upset stomachs to take care of themselves rather than visit hospital.
It follows a busy period at both hospitals, run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where a number of patients did not need to attend.
Norovirus is also still common in the area and sufferers are asked to avoid A&E because of the highly contagious nature of the illness.
Residents are advised to keep a basic self-care kit at home with plasters, painkillers and antiseptic creams. Local GPs and pharmacists can also help with common illnesses and the best medication to use.
For more information on healthcare options visit hampshire.nhs.uk/index.php/localservices38/ choose-well.
