Doctors plead with Dumfries and Galloway residents to stay away from A&E unless necessary as hospitals ‘extremely busy’

Doctors in Dumfries and Galloway are appealing to residents to avoid visiting accident and emergency (A&E) departments unless absolutely necessary due to the hospitals being under tremendous strain. The plea comes as NHS Dumfries and Galloway describes the hospitals as ‘extremely busy’, urging individuals with health issues to assess whether their condition truly warrants emergency care or if they could seek help from other healthcare professionals like doctors or pharmacists.

During a recent video message shared by NHS Dumfries and Galloway, emergency department consultant Dr. Pete Armstrong emphasised the importance of reserving A&E visits for life-threatening situations such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or illnesses that require immediate attention. Dr. Armstrong advised individuals to contact their GP, pharmacist, or NHS 24 on 111 for guidance if unsure about the urgency of their condition. By avoiding unnecessary visits to A&E, it helps healthcare providers focus on delivering critical care to those in genuine need.

Nicole Hamlet, interim chief operating officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, highlighted the unprecedented demand faced by hospitals during the summer months, with record-breaking attendance levels at A&E. The region has experienced sustained high volumes of A&E admissions, with figures consistently exceeding 4,000 individuals monthly. While the hospital’s performance in meeting the Scottish Government’s A&E target of 95% has been below that threshold, it remains above the Scottish average of 66.6%.

Recent data from Public Health Scotland revealed that Dumfries and Galloway’s A&E departments have been inundated with patients, indicating a need for the public to be mindful of when to seek emergency care. By utilising alternative healthcare services and reserving A&E for critical situations, residents can contribute to better healthcare resource allocation and ensure prompt treatment for those facing life-threatening emergencies.