Northampton General Hospital under 'significant pressure' as patients urged to consider other NHS services
Northampton and Kettering hospitals have issued a fresh appeal to patients to help ease pressure on their emergency departments
Northampton General Hospital's emergency department is under significant pressure, with increasing numbers of patients attending with conditions that could be treated through other NHS services.
The warning has been issued by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, which runs Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital, as both emergency departments face growing demand.
Hospital bosses are encouraging residents to consider alternatives to A&E for conditions that do not require emergency treatment.
In a public appeal, Dr Navin Leanage highlighted the range of services available to patients, including NHS 111, GP surgeries, pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.
The hospital trust says choosing the most appropriate service can help patients receive the right care while reducing unnecessary pressure on emergency departments.
NHS 111 can provide advice and direct patients to appropriate services, while community pharmacies can offer treatment and guidance for a range of common illnesses.
GP practices and urgent treatment centres can also provide care for conditions that do not require emergency hospital treatment.
The trust is encouraging residents to consider these options before attending A&E, helping emergency departments concentrate on patients who need urgent specialist care.
However, anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.
The appeal forms part of efforts to manage demand across both hospitals and ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.
The trust is also asking people to share its message with friends and family to help raise awareness of the services available.