A new animation will be launched by Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust this week to urge people to use Urgent Treatment Centres as preparations get under way for “Frantic Friday”.
More than 400 people have been attending Hull’s A&E department every day this winter, often causing long delays to treatment for people who are more seriously ill and injured.
With Friday traditionally the busiest night of the year for pubs and clubs, the Trust is urging people to use alternatives to A&E if they need treatment for alcohol-induced accidents and injuries.
The new animation will be launched by the trust on Facebook and Twitter to encourage patients to seek treatment alternatives, signposting them to the four local urgent care centres in Bransholme, Bridlington, Beverley and Goole.
Narrated by local children, the video highlights some of “conditions” people have turned up at A&E with, including hangovers and stuck false nails.
The animation is part of a wider health partnership campaign of engaging schools known as “A&E – It’s Serious Stuff” aiming to change habits and behaviours of people who continue to come to A&E with minor conditions and illnesses.
Emergency Department consultant, Biju Cherian said:
“Winter is an incredibly busy period for all of us working in A&E. This Friday will be a particularly frantic evening as so many people take to the streets to celebrate the last weekend before Christmas.
“Our new campaign seeks to get the message out that, although we are always open, A&E is for the seriously ill, injured and dying. Bumps and bruises, twisted ankles or even the hangovers people will inevitably have the next day can be treated elsewhere.
“We need to get this message out over the long-term so that we change the existing culture where people come to A&E with any condition or illness. That’s why we’re seeking to partner with schools and colleges to educate people at an early age and help them to understand the issues, so that they can help us.
“The animation asks people to consider using one of the Urgent Treatment Centres we have on our doorstep and having children narrating the poem gives the message a little more impact. Hopefully people will share it on social media so that we can reach as many of the local population as possible. Have a safe and lovely Christmas.”
