Only visit A&E with life-threatening emergency – health chiefs

Do not visit A&E unless you have a life-threatening emergency.

That’s the message from health chiefs aiming to ease the crowding and long waiting times at Lincoln County Hospital’s emergency department.

The NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust are urging people to stay away from A&E in Lincoln and Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital.

“Our hospitals are very busy with long waits in A&E. You should only be in A&E in a life-threatening emergency,” said a spokesperson.

“If it's not an emergency, please contact NHS 111 for advice and support, either by phone by dialling 111 or online at 111.nhs.uk.” 

Accident and Emergency can help you if you suffer:

• A loss of consciousness
• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Severe burns or scalds
• Severe allergic reactions
• Stroke
• Major trauma such as a road traffic accident

For more information visit: When to go to A&E – NHS (www.nhs.uk).