Use A&E only for emergencies, public told

HOSPITAL bosses have urged people to use emergency departments appropriately over the festive period to reduce pressure on the service.

NHS Tayside has asked the public to save A&E for real emergencies only, using pharmacists and NHS 24 for advice on minor ailments.

Dr Shobhan Thakore, an A&E consultant, said: "We need to make sure that we are able to see people quickly if they need emergency care.

"Members of the public … are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed.

"This sometimes leads to them attending A&E only for us to have to explain we cannot help. This is frustrating for them and diverts us from other patients."