Royal Hospital for Children urges parents to avoid A&E after record attendances

Scotland’s largest children’s hospital has urged parents to consider alternatives to A&E after a record-breaking spike in attendances.

A record number of 306 children presented at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on Monday.

Recent figures show a surge in attendance at the hospital with a high proportion of kids being treated for non-urgent issues, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said.

“Unless it is an emergency or life-threatening, there are a number of alternative services that should be accessed first including contacting your local pharmacy, GP, NHS 24, NHS inform or 111 before presenting at an emergency department,” Jamie Redfern, director for Women and Children’s Services at the health board said.

“A record number of 306 children presented at the RHC on Monday, November 14, which highlights the pressures the A&E department is facing,” he said.

“The figures show an increase in recent weeks and to try and accommodate this, we would ask parents to think if a visit to A&E is required or if the issue can be resolved in another way.”

November, December and January are extremely busy months, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said.

Last week, on average, 252 children attended at the A&E department each day for treatment – 25% higher than this year’s average.

NHSGGC said emergency departments were busier than ever.

Dr Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for Acute Services at the health board, said: “Our staff are working around the clock to ensure the best level of care for our patients.

“Parents and children have access to a range of alternative services that can help reduce the waiting times for the sickest of patients and free up capacity.

“However, we would still like to stress that any child with a very urgent or life-threatening condition or injury should continue to call 999 or attend an emergency department as normal.”