Health
Do You Really Need to go to Hospital?
Alternative services can support your healthcare needs
Manx Care is advising people to consider whether they really need to go to A&E or if other places would better suit their needs.
It comes as the emergency department experiences long waits.
Manx Care said: ‘The Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital is currently experiencing longer than usual waiting times due to the large number of people who are poorly and require treatment.
‘Please consider whether you need to go straight to the Emergency Department, or whether you can get the help you need elsewhere.
‘We want to be really clear that anyone who requires urgent or emergency treatment at the Emergency Department will receive this, and you should continue to seek treatment there as required.’
The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital – this is open from 08:00 – 20:00, seven days a week, with X-Ray capacity between 9:00 and 17:00 on weekdays. This can treat a broad range of injuries and illnesses, including dislocations or breaks, sprains, minor head injuries with no loss of consciousness or vomiting, infections, and provision of emergency contraception Your Community Pharmacist may also be able to help. They also operate the Island’s Minor Ailment Scheme, where they may be able to provide medication for a range of common illnesses and conditions. You can find your nearest Community Pharmacy here: https://www.gov.im/…/pharmacy…/community-pharmacies/ Your GP, or MEDS (the Manx Emergency Doctor Service) for issues out of hours which cannot wait for you to speak to your GP the next day about The MECS (Minor Eye Conditions) Service provided by Specsavers in Douglas, for eye-related issues The Community Dental Service – for people without a dentist QWELL and Kooth – online resources with instant access to an online Counsellor who can support with issues including persistent low mood and anxiety In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please call 999 for an Ambulance
