24 December 2009
Hospital’s A&E department sees increased numbers during the cold spell
The public are being asked to only attend Broomfield Hospital’s A&E department if they are seriously ill or need emergency treatment as the department is under severe pressure due to the high number of people suffering from fractures following incidents associated with the icy weather conditions.
The department has seen a significant increase in the number of fractures since the start of the cold spell last weekend. There has also been an increased number of people presenting with falls, resulting in sprains and other minor injuries.
Philippa Lowe, Director of Finance and Resources/Deputy Chief Executive at Mid Essex Hospitals, said:” We are currently experiencing a very high demand for our services so we are advising people with minor ailments to visit their GP or get advice from NHS direct, wherever possible, rather than visiting our A&E Department. We urge people to be sensible during the icy conditions and only to go out if absolutely necessary to avoid the risk of injury.”
ENDS
Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948
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