Dr Craig Melrose, GP clinical lead urgent & emergency care has shared a message ahead of the weekend.
To many the opening of bars on Saturday will come as a welcome release from the unprecedented pandemic we have all been living through over the past few months. It is understandable that people want to go out and have a few drinks with friends but we urge the public to be careful and use common sense.
The NHS has coped admirably during this time and the support we have received from local Cumbrian communities has been absolutely brilliant. However we still need to remain vigilant and avoid overwhelming our A&E departments. Alcohol excess and related injuries are avoidable, they put pressure on our A&E departments which in turn limits our abilities to deal with other emergencies.
We would remind the public to act responsibly, drink responsibly and to maintain social distancing. It is also really important that people choose the services that is most appropriate for their needs. It has never been more important that our Emergency Departments are for emergencies only. If it is not an emergency, call 111, see a pharmacist, book a GP appointment. If you are seriously injured or sick, go to your A&E – you will be treated.
We need everyone to play their part, the threat of coronavirus has not gone away.