Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals continues to see a high number of people in the emergency department (ED) seeking urgent care. Our colleagues continue to work hard to ensure people can receive the care they need, when they need it.
If you or a loved one fall ill, it is important to understand how to access the right care. Choosing the most appropriate service can help you to be seen quicker and means that others can get the care they need during this busy period. Find out more about what services are available.
Our ED continues to care for a high number of people with respiratory symptoms. To help reduce the spread of winter bugs, we strongly recommend you wear a face mask while in the department to protect yourself and those around you. Face masks are available across the Trust.
If visiting loved ones in our hospitals, we ask that you please clean your hands when entering and leaving. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a cough / cold / sickness or diarrhoea or feel unwell, please do not visit the hospitals.
Think 111 and self-care first
Many minor injuries, like colds, sore throats or mild tummy bugs can be managed safely at home. It’s good to have a supply of essentials such as pain relief, cold remedies and first aid supplies at home for when you or a family member fall ill.
Remember - if you’re not sure what’s wrong - you can always call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website for useful health advice and resources.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 online at 111.nhs.uk, or by phone. Trained advisors will guide you to the most appropriate service, whether that’s a GP appointment, an urgent care appointment or to reassure you that you can self-care at home.
You should call NHS 111 if you or your child is experiencing flu symptoms and:
- you're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms
- you're 65 or over
- you're pregnant
- you have a long-term medical condition - for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
- you have a weakened immune system - for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
- symptoms do not improve after seven days
Urgent and emergency care
ED and 999 should only be used for serious life or limb-threatening conditions. Choosing the right service helps reduce pressure on our emergency services and enables them to help those who need it most, and also means you can get the care you need as soon as possible.
Call 999 or go to ED if you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- sudden chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- severe bleeding
- coughing up a lot of blood
