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Doctors urge public to still use NHS despite covid-19 |
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Fears are growing that people who are sick are staying away from hospitals because they are scared of getting covid-19.
Medical leaders are reminding the public the NHS is “here for you too” amid concerns some with serious health problems are putting off going to hospital and becoming “secondary victims” of the virus.
There were just 11,000 attendances at NHS Scotland A&Es in the last week of March, a reduction of nearly 60% from the last week of February and the lowest level since records began.
Dr David Chung, Scotland Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said some of the people who might previously have gone would have minor ailments that were not suitable for A&E.
But he told healthandcare.scot emergency doctors were seeing people with potentially life-threatening problems like perforated appendixes who should have come to hospital much sooner.
Newly-appointed interim CMO Gregor Smith, who took on the role yesterday after his predecessor stood down, reiterated the advice in his first press conference.
He highlighted concerning symptoms like chest pain and unusual bleeds or lumps, stating: “Please do not hesitate to contact your NHS in the way that you normally would.
“It’s really important that you continue to get the care you need at the time that you need it and that you don’t ignore these symptoms and put them off.”
It comes after reports over the weekend of a “small but worrying” number of cases where children could have died because they weren’t seen early enough.
In an appeal to the public, Dr Chung said: “Please, do not sit at home thinking you are having a heart attack, a stroke, sepsis or appendicitis and delay coming to an emergency department for treatment, we’re open for business as usual.
“Serious medical issues have not gone away because of covid-19.
“Do not become a secondary victim of covid-19 by neglecting your health in an emergency, the NHS is here for you too.”
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