12:10pm Friday 8th January 2010
RESIDENTS across north Essex are urged to be patient when trying to access Health services during the big freeze.
GP services, out patient clinics and other frontline staff say they are coping with demand so far, but need patients to work with them.
Sam Hepplewhite, Assistant Director of Primary and Community Commissioning at NHS North East Essex, said: “The messages we are getting back from general practice, and other primary care services, is that they are coping well, however there is an increase in demand and this may cause minor delays in answering phone, so please be patient and your call will be dealt with.
“Also to remind people that the hospital will see an increase in demand as well, so we advise you to avoid A&E if at all possible and to use alternatives such as the Minor Injuries Unit at Clacton and Harwich Hospitals and the North Colchester Health Centre.”
She continued: “Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, heed the old but still pertinent advice – don’t go out unless you really have to.
“Older people particularly are vulnerable to icy conditions. And if you do decide not to keep an appointment with your doctor, please phone up and cancel it as it can be offered to someone else.”
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