Fewer patients are seeking NHS treatment for illnesses not related to coronavirus – and health bosses fear they could be putting themselves at risk.
Today the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group reminded patients that GP services, pharmacies, NHS 111, out-of-hours services and emergency departments are all still available to patients should they be needed.
At a time when we’re all told to stay at home, executive director of the CCG Dr Andrew Lee accepted that it can be confusing to know what to do when you are feeling unwell.
But they need people still access help, “particularly with serious illnesses, as these conditions have not gone away just because of coronavirus”.
He said:
It can be very dangerous to put off getting seen as you can put yourself at risk of late diagnosis of things such as cancer, heart attacks and stroke.
We have noticed that children in particular seem to be presenting less, and we are urging parents to make sure they are using the right service for their child if they are displaying worrying symptoms.
NHS 111, hospitals and GPs are still providing the same care they have always done.
But access to a GP may initially be by telephone as GP practices are still advising patients to only attend in person if they are specifically asked to. Surgeries across York will be offering video and phone consultations for those who are not asked to attend in person.
Patients should still dial 999 in the event of a life threatening emergency.
For further advice on how to best use the NHS visit: https://www.nhs.uk/