Kettering General Hospital A&E ‘extremely busy’ as long wait warning issued
People seeking medical treatment at Kettering General Hospital (KGH) emergency department have been warned they may face a ‘long wait’ as the service comes under pressure.
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, which manages KGH, issued a warning yesterday (Tuesday) that the A&E unit was ‘extremely busy’.
The warning said: “Our Emergency Department is very busy and you may face a long wait.
“If your condition isn't life-threatening, please consider using another NHS service such as NHS 111 online, your pharmacy, GP practice or Corby Urgent Care Centre.
“If you have a serious or life-threatening illness or injury, please continue to call 999 or come to the Emergency Department.
“Thank you for helping us keep emergency care available for those who need it most.”
A KGH spokesperson said today the situation has slightly improved but both KGH and neighbouring Northampton General Hospital’s emergency departments remain under pressure.
The spokesperson said: “Our emergency departments remain under pressure. If you need medical help but it is not a life-threatening illness or injury, please choose another NHS service rather than coming to A&E.”
People are being advised to seek medical advice and guidance from NHS 111 first. For non-emergency health problems, people can also contact their GP practice.
The spokesperson added: “Your local pharmacy can do more than you might think. Through NHS Pharmacy First, pharmacists can assess and treat common conditions including sinusitis, sore throat, earache in children and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64. For some conditions, pharmacists can provide prescription medicines, including antibiotics where clinically appropriate, without you needing to see a GP first.
“If you have a serious or life-threatening illness or injury, please call 999 or come to the emergency department.”