Accident units for emergencies only, say doctors

DOCTORS have urged people to stay safe over the festive season, not to drink too much alcohol, and only attend accident and emergency units when absolutely necessary.

A total of 468 people were treated in NHS Lothian in one day last weekend.

Dr Dave Caesar, clinical director for emergency medicine at NHS Lothian, said: “We work around the clock to make sure that patients receive the best treatment as swiftly as possible. However, we would ask people to think twice before they turn up to the emergency departments and question whether their ailment really is an emergency.”