ONLY attend the RBH’s A&E department if you have a life-threatening emergency.
That’s the warning from hospital staff on Friday, December 29, as they face what they say is ‘relentless demand’ for its services.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital team instead asks people with urgent medical issues to use the Urgent Care Centre in Broad St. Mall in Reading’s town centre.
Alternatively, they can use 111 either online or on the phone, visit pharmacists, or call a GP surgery.
The demand is expected to be high throughout the new year period and then from Wednesday, January 3, when junior doctors start a six-day strike.
A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “The hospital is currently under huge pressure from large numbers of people attending our Emergency Department (ED).
“These numbers are expected to increase with new year festivities and then the start of a six-day strike by Junior Doctors next Wednesday.
“Please help us to manage these relentless demands which are putting a great strain on our emergency services teams and leading to very long waits and queues for treatment. Y
“You must only come to ED if you have a life-threatening emergency like a suspected stroke or heart attack or sudden excessive bleeding.”
They continued: “If you have an urgent medical issue you can go to Urgent Care Centre in the Broad Street Mall, Reading, which is open 365 days a year 8am to 8pm, or go to 111online, your local pharmacists or contact your GP surgery.
“By doing this you can help us make sure that people with life threatening medical needs are treated as safely and quickly as possible.”
Chemist rota for New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1
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LOWER EARLEY – Asda, Chalfont Way. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 987 0310.
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READING – Boots the Chemist, Broad Street. 11am-5pm. Details: 0118 957 1135.
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READING – Boots the Chemist, The Oracle. 11am-5pm. Details: 0118 958 7529.
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TILEHURST – Asda, Honey End Lane. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 951 4710.
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WOKINGHAM – Tesco, Finchampstead Road. 2pm-5pm. Details: 03456 779724.
