As the snowy weather conditions continue, health officials are asking the public not to use A&E services unless absolutely necessary.
NHS East Riding of Yorkshire’s Head of Emergency Planning, Mike McDermott, said:
“The area’s A&E departments are under extreme pressure at the moment and staff need to be able to concentrate their efforts on those people with serious life-threatening illnesses or injuries. It is likely that we will see an increase in the number of people attending hospital following trips and falls on the ice, so we would urge people to take care when they venture out. Anyone with a non serious health problem should seek medical help elsewhere, such as at a Minor injuries Unit, the Walk-In centre in Hull, at a Pharmacy, their own GP or the GP out of hours service. *
He continues;
“We would also ask people to be mindful when they are digging out snow from their paths and drives and not to pile the excess snow on public footpaths. This has been causing problems for other members of the public wishing to use the footpaths, and as temperatures plummet during the evenings; these snow piles turn to ice and can be a major health and safety hazard.
“Finally, I would just like to thank the armies of volunteers who have been helping to keep essential health services going during this difficult time. In particular the Humber 4 x 4 Response Team and individual 4 x 4 drivers who have been ferrying District Nurses to visits and bringing essential hospital staff into work. Their help has been fantastic.”
