Health board chiefs issue plea to public as pressures on NHS Lanarkshire services continue

dailyrecord.co.uk:

NHS Lanarkshire chiefs have issued a plea to the public asking them to help staff alleviate pressures on the health service.The health board is asking every member of the public to consider all suitable alternatives before calling an ambulance or coming directly to the emergency department so that staff can continue to provide essential care to those who most need our help.NHS Lanarkshire executive nurse director Eddie Docherty stated the rising number of Covid and flu cases is having a significant impact.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android He said: “Our three acute hospitals have significant pressures within our emergency departments, with high levels of inpatients causing bed shortages and staffing challenges.“Our staff are doing everything possible to assess, treat and care for patients with priority given to those who are most unwell. "This means that there are significantly longer waits at the emergency departments of each of our three hospitals with our inpatient wards being extremely busy.“We are also seeing an increasing number of respiratory viruses in our hospitals, with high flu and Covid-19 numbers contributing to the current pressures and challenges.“In terms of Covid-19 numbers, there was an average of 170 patients in hospital with Covid each day over the last week – around twice the