NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde wants to ensure that patients are accessing the right care in the right place.
Our services still face challenges and recent figures have shown a spike in the number of people attending our hospital A&E departments. Our redirection policy is designed to ensure that everyone is able to get the care they need in the most appropriate setting.
This means that if you attend an A&E department with a condition that is not life threatening, you may be redirected and treated somewhere else, for example community pharmacy or a Minor Injury Unit.
Before you attend an A&E, check NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app for information on how to treat minor illnesses and injuries at home.
You can also access some services through your GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician.
But if you’re not sure about what help you need, call NHS 24 on 111 – they will be able to direct you to the most appropriate service or team for you.
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Our services are seeing spikes in attendances which are creating some pressures, and I would like to thank staff for their continued hard work through these challenging circumstances.
“We want patients to be treated as quickly and effectively as possible, and that often is not at the emergency department. By using NHS24 and 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.
“If patients can utilise access to the most appropriate care pathway, it will then help reduce waiting times for the sickest of patients and free up capacity.