If you need urgent medical help, the NHS is still here for you

Urgent care and treatment is still available to help Lancashire and South Cumbria residents, don’t risk your long-term health by delaying getting the help you need – that’s the message from health bosses. 

Patients who don’t have coronavirus can safely access care – including scheduled appointments, vaccinations and maternity services.

The plea comes alongside new findings that four in ten people are too concerned about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP.

Seeking medical help is one of the four reasons that people can safely leave home, in line with government guidance.

The NHS is still there for patients without Covid-19 who need urgent and emergency services for stroke, heart attack, and other killer conditions.

While NHS staff have worked hard to put in place measures allowing people to access care safely – such as splitting services into Covid and non-Covid. GPs, pharmacies, NHS 111 and accident and emergency departments in the area are still operating for those who need them.

Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, GP and Chief Officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS), said:

“We are seeing people with serious medical conditions coming into hospital much later than they should have, causing them great harm. It’s really important that people seek medical advice as and when they normally would if they have health concerns.

In hospitals, GP surgeries and health centres we are taking strict precautions to ensure both staff and patients remain safe. For example, most GPs are able to hold consultations over the phone or by video consultation.

We want to reassure people that the NHS is here for you. Don’t leave your illness or condition until it is too late.”

Remember that:              

• Your GP remains your first point of contact if you have any symptoms that you are concerned about
• Contact your GP practice either online, by an app or by phone to be assessed. You will receive advice through video consultation or over the phone and if you need a face to face appointment you will be advised what to do
• If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111. If it is a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999.