Bolton trials scheme to ease A&E pressure

NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust are piloting a new scheme aimed at redirecting inappropriate accident and emergency attenders to a more appropriate point of care.

The initiative will involve issuing patients who visit A&E with minor symptoms such as coughs and colds with information on how to manage their illness themselves.

Those who need to be seen by a GP will be helped to access an appointment at their practice.

The scheme will also involve putting up new signs on the hospital site warning people that they may be turned away and directed to a more suitable NHS service. Bolton’s Trust and CCG will monitor the success of the pilot and decide whether it should be made permanent.

Tim Almond, senior commissioning manager for urgent care at the CCG, said: “Around a third of all those who go to our A&E department here in Bolton do not need to be there.

“This essential service is under significant pressure and the CCG remains committed to doing everything we can to maintain patient safety and the quality of care

Andy Ennis, the trust’s chief operating officer, added: “People who seek treatment at A&E when they don’t need to, cause delays for everyone and put additional pressure on staff who are already working very hard.

“We hope this pilot will reinforce the messages and support patients to find the appropriate place for treatment.”