Despite the pressures of a very cold winter staff at Ashford and St Peter's hospital are working hard to make sure patients receive life–saving and emergency care.
During these icy months hospitals across the country see similar increases in patients as people are hit with winter colds, flus, respiratory problems and are more susceptible to falls and breaks.
Respiratory consultant and divisional director for emergency care Dr Michael Wood said: “All this puts extra pressure on hospitals and this year we are seeing higher numbers of these more serious cases.”
This has meant, at times, longer waiting for more minor injuries and less serious ailments in A&E and occasionally having to re-arrange non-life threatening operations.
Dr Woods said: “We want to assure the local community that we have the safety of our patients as our top priority during this busy time.”
Patients going to A&E for minor ailments may be able to get treatment from a pharmacist or GP more quickly for more information on how to get the right help please visit choosewell.org.uk.
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