Blackpool Vic fears as patients left to wait hours

Hospital chiefs have again pleaded with patients to think carefully before attending A&E after services were once again stretched.
Blackpool Victoria HospitalBlackpool Victoria Hospital
Blackpool Victoria Hospital

Worried visitors told The Gazette had to wait hours to be triaged at Blackpool Vic on Wednesday night with dozens experiencing long delays to be seen by medics.

A spokesman for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Emergency Department has been extremely busy in recent months and this was the case on Wednesday.

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“The duty manager and duty director liaised with staff in the department, who are all working extremely hard, to make sure patients were dealt with as quickly as possible based on their clinical needs.

“We would once again appeal to residents across the Fylde coast to use local services such as the NHS Walk-In Centre on Whitegate Drive in Blackpool which is open from 8am to 8pm and the Same Day Centre in Fleetwood which is open from 8am to 6.30pm. If in doubt, call the NHS 111 24-hour helpline for advice on whether your ailment could be treated by a GP or with the help of a pharmacist.

“The Emergency Department is for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses and injuries, so you should only call 999 or attend A&E when your situation is an emergency. Using a more appropriate service will save you time and could save lives.”

Think! WhyA&E? campaign, go to: whyaande.nhs.uk.