Patients urged to attend Macclesfield A&E only if absolutely necessary

People are being urged to only come into the Accident and Emergency Department at Macclesfield Hospital if absolutely necessary.

The A&E service is extremely busy and East Cheshire NHS Trust is reminding people that A&E should only be used for major, life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:

• Loss of consciousness

• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping

• Persistent, severe chest pain

• Breathing difficulties

• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

For illnesses that are less urgent, people should first contact their local pharmacies, GP surgery or NHS 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can advise you on the best local service for the care you need.

East Cheshire NHS Trust’s GP Out-of-Hours Service can also be used for assessment, advice and treatment as required for urgent healthcare problems that cannot safely wait until your GP surgery is open. The GP Out-of-Hours Service can be contacted by telephone via NHS 111.

For more information, please go to:

https://services.eastcheshire.nhs.uk/gp-outhours

Local pharmacies can also offer help, advice and treatment for lots of common conditions. A list of local pharmacies across Eastern Cheshire and their opening hours can be found here on East Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s website:

http://www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/Pharmacy.htm