Royal Surrey County Hospital Investing Extra £800,000 To Cope With Winter Pressures

Published on: 24 Dec, 2018
Updated on: 24 Dec, 2018

The Royal Surrey County Hospital is investing an extra £800,000 to cope with winter pressures, but has urged people to use the emergency department wisely over the festive season and beyond.

The main entrance of the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Egerton Road.

The hospital says that during the winter months, emergency departments experience an increased demand for their service making it even more vital that they are kept free for those patients who really need urgent treatment.

As part of its preparations for winter the hospital has:

Opened an additional 22 beds over two wards through the winter period to provide care for patients who go to hospital for emergency care.

Deployed additional clinical resources in the emergency department at times of peak demand.

Provided additional clinical resources over key public holidays and weekends.

The hospital adds that extra investment follows significant pressure on the Royal Surrey’s Trust’s capacity from mid-February until April this year (2018).

Emergency department consultant Dr Monica Minardi, said: “In the run up to Christmas and the new year we all need to try and keep Royal Surrey’s emergency department for those who really need it.

“Those patients who arrive in the emergency department and urgently need our help will be prioritised and those who come into the department with minor injuries or illnesses may therefore face a long wait.

“If you feel unwell and are unable to manage at home or a long standing condition flares up, don’t forget your GP services are available outside of surgery hours.

“You will usually be directed to an out-of-hours service or advised to call NHS 111.

“For diarrhoea, runny noses, painful cough, sore throat, hangovers, skin rashes or a headache, try your pharmacist first. There will be some pharmacies open on the holidays, but you are advised to call and check.

“In a real emergency you should always attend the emergency department.”

And there is free parking for visitors and patients on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.