Patients urged to avoid A&E departments in Glasgow unless condition is 'life-threatening'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Patients in Greater Glasgow have been urged to avoid A&E departments unless their condition is life-threatening as the health service struggles to meet demand.The NHS said due to the impact of rising Omicron cases, staff are struggling to cope with demand and services are operating well above normal capacity.

Scotland's largest health board said the cause is “multi-factorial” and includes staff absences, a rise in covid cases and people delaying treatment over the festive period.

Opposition parties said it was proof the Scottish Government had failed to adequately prepare the NHS for a very challenging winter.Dr Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said A&E units are seeing a “large number” of people with symptoms that could be managed by speaking with a GP or a local pharmacy.He said the demand has meant staff are facing “huge challenges” to treat patients safely and as quickly as possible.The health board has urged patients to call NHS24 on 111 to be directed to the most appropriate service before attending A&E, unless their condition is “very urgent” or “life-threatening”.Dr Davidson said: “There are other services geared up and ready to see and treat you.“If you’ve had a slip, trip or fall, we have numerous minor injuries units (MIUs) across NHSGGC which can look after you, including if you’ve broken a limb.“GP practices across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are operating normal hours, and community pharmacies are also open to help you get the treatment you need.”Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman, said: "This is incredibly worrying news and everything possible must be done to support NHSGGC staff as they continue to work under immense pressure."The fact of the