YEOVIL NEWS: Hospital launches Medical Help Card for patients

A MEDICAL Help Card has been launched by Yeovil District Hospital as a guide for patients who need medical help but are unsure where to turn.

The aim of the card is to make it easier for people to find the right kind of care for them, with details of the services available locally, including information about the minor injury units in the region. This includes opening times, phone numbers, postcodes and clear information on the types of treatments each service can offer.

Matron for the emergency department, Fiona Higginson, said: “The A&E department at Yeovil Hospital sees high numbers of patients every day and emergency cases requiring immediate attention will always be prioritised.

“As a result, patients with more minor injuries or illnesses can experience long waits, when they could be treated in a different setting, often faster. We urge people who do not need emergency treatment to consider alternative options, such as the local minor injury unit, NHS 111, GP or pharmacist.”

In June 2016, Yeovil Hospital’s A&E department saw an average of 130 patients each day.

Fiona added: “The Medical Help Card means people locally will have the information they need to be able to choose the best service for them.

“We don’t want to stop people coming to A&E who need urgent medical attention but we do want people to make sure it really is the right place for them, so that they get treated in the fastest, most appropriate way possible.”

The handy wallet-sized help cards have been created in partnership with Somerset Partnership Trust and the South Western Ambulance Service and are available throughout the hospital as well as from pharmacies in Yeovil.

PHOTO – TOP: Healthcare assistant Connie Miller, matron for the emergency department Fiona Higginson, Dr Greg Brown and nurse consultant Julie Reeve.

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