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MP’s idea to ease pressure on A&E
PRESSURE on hospital A&E services could be eased by introducing an alternative to the 999 emergency telephone number, according to Wyre Forest's MP.
Dr Richard Taylor believes setting up a one-stop non-emergency number running alongside the 999 service could also reduce confusion over where to go or who to call when people have an accident.
The Health Concern MP raised the issue with Health Minister Ben Bradshaw, in a House of Commons adjournment debate, on Wednesday last week.
Dr Taylor said: "At the moment if you are very ill you dial 999 and that's that. But if you are injured and don't know if you're ill enough there are so many places where you could go."
He added people were often confused by the sheer number of different non-emergency options when they quickly needed treatment or health advice.
Minor Injury Units (MIU), like the one at Kidderminster Hospital, drop-in health centres, out-of-hours GP services and the NHS Direct helpline were all listed by Dr Taylor as several options currently open to non-emergency callers. He explained: "There are seven or eight different things you can do but they might not all be right for that person.
"If you had a single telephone number with dedicated triage service staffed by people who knew your area you could be directed to exactly the right place."
The Government is currently trying out a similar telephone service called NHS Pathways in North East England and Hampshire, which Dr Taylor said appeared "foolproof".
He added the new number could ease pressure on Worcestershire Royal and Redditch's Alexandra Hospitals' A&E departments by educating callers about what can be treated at Kidderminster Hospital's own Urgent Care Service and MIU.
2:22pm Thursday 20th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Paul Gittins, Bewdley on 5:52pm Mon 24 Mar 08
I fully support the idea of Richard Taylor M P regarding a single telephone number that can be used by those who are confused by the different telephone numbers and departments when taken ill and require medical attention. As is being tried out in the North East and Hampshire. Even with a telephone directory at hand it can be quite daunting and time consuming. However I would suggest that such a number should be short so that it can be easilly remembered. Similary the same problem applies when calling the poice. We are told that you should only dial 999 when someones life is in danger or a crime is being committed. In other cases you should dial 08457444888. I wonder how many people can remember that number? and you have to pay for it! A simple alternative short number for both emergency services would be ideal.
Please put the police number into your mobile phone and if you are ever in any doubt on what number to call,dial 999.
I fully support the idea of Richard Taylor M P regarding a single telephone number that can be used by those who are confused by the different telephone numbers and departments when taken ill and require medical attention. As is being tried out in the North East and Hampshire. Even with a telephone directory at hand it can be quite daunting and time consuming. However I would suggest that such a number should be short so that it can be easilly remembered. Similary the same problem applies when calling the poice. We are told that you should only dial 999 when someones life is in danger or a crime is being committed. In other cases you should dial 08457444888. I wonder how many people can remember that number? and you have to pay for it! A simple alternative short number for both emergency services would be ideal.
Please put the police number into your mobile phone and if you are ever in any doubt on what number to call,dial 999.
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