THE number of people going to accident and emergency and calling 999 has caused severe pressure on Wirral's health service over the last few days, with people now being urged to think twice before going to hospital unless absolutely necessary.

NHS teams across the borough say they are working extremely hard to cope with the demand.

NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group is reminding people that there are many options to choose from ranging from self-care and expert, “over-the-counter” advice from pharmacists to Wirral’s walk-in centres and minor injury units.

Wirral GP Dr Pete Naylor, acting chair of NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, urged local people to consider all NHS options.

He said: “We need to preserve hard-pressed accident and emergency care services for people in a critical or life-threatening situation. With the right advice and information, many minor problems can be treated effectively at home using a well-stocked medicine cabinet.”

Dr Naylor advised that paracetamol, bandages, plasters, painkillers and antiseptic, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, indigestion remedies and a thermometer would help most healthy adults deal with most minor illnesses and ailments.

To find your local pharmacy visit nhs.uk/chemist

In order to ensure that emergency services are able to deal with the most urgent cases, the NHS is advising people with non-emergency illness or injuries to go to Eastham Walk-in Centre, Victoria Central Health Centre in Wallasey and the All Day Health Centre at Arrowe Park or GP practice based minor illness and injury services (Birkenhead Medical Building, Parkfield Medical Centre and Moreton Health Clinic) and to avoid A&E unless it is a genuine emergency.

 

Victoria Central Walk-in Centre opening times:

Monday – Sunday (including bank holidays)  8am – 10pm

                                       

Eastham Walk-in Centre opening times:

Monday – Friday, 2.pm – 10pm (excluding bank holidays)
Weekends and bank holidays, 9am – 5pm

 

All Day Health Centre opening times:

Monday – Sunday, 8am – 10pm (including bank holidays)

 

Birkenhead Medical Building opening times:

Monday to Thursday 10am – 8pm 

Friday 10am - 6.30pm 

 Sat, Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am – 5pm 

 

Parkfield Medical Centre opening times:

Monday to Thursday 10am – 8pm 

Friday 10am - 6.30pm 

 

Moreton Health Clinic opening times:

Monday & Tuesday 12pm – 7pm

Wednesday & Thursday 12pm  – 8pm 

Friday 10am – 6pm

 

If you need advice from a doctor between the hours of 6.30pm and 8.00am, or over the Bank Holiday or weekend,  please contact the GP Out of Hours Service on 0151 678 8496.

If you are not sure what to do, please contact NHS 111 by dialling 111.