Emma Harper South Scotland MSP has commended hard working NHS staff as the latest weekly figures for A&E waiting times were released.
Commenting on the latest A&E waiting times statistics at both Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary and Galloway Community Hospital, Ms Harper, who has kept her own nurse registration to practice, said;
“The latest weekly A&E waiting times figures show that for the week ending 12 July 2020, 96.5% of patients were seen and treated within four hours at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary and 92.5% were seen and treated within four hours at Galloway Community Hospital. This is thanks to the ongoing hard work and dedication of staff in NHS Dumfries & Galloway.
“As we move towards carefully and gradually resuming NHS services which were paused as a result of COVID-19, we’ve launched the ‘Should you go to A&E?’ campaign to remind people that emergency departments remain open for those who need immediate or emergency care but that for those with less urgent concerns alternative treatment options are available which are often more convenient and closer to home. These include contacting your GP practice, or NHS24 on 111 out of hours, visiting a local pharmacy or NHS Inform online will provide advice and direct people to the most appropriate service.
“Do not ignore early warning signs of serious conditions – if you have new symptoms then it’s vital you get this checked out.”
