Public must to continue to seek medical help

Patients and the public must continue to seek medical help for serious conditions during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Jackie Taylor, the President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, has joined with other health leaders from across the UK to call on the public to continue to seek appropriate medical help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The advice to the public is that people should stay at home to protect lives and reduce the pressure on the NHS, but health leaders are concerned that some of those who need medical assistance are not seeking the support they require. This situation could lead to people placing their own health at risk.

Professor Taylor explained:

“It’s right that the COVID-19 pandemic is at the forefront of all of our thoughts right now. At the same time, the public must understand that many of us will continue to need medical assistance for a range of other conditions that have nothing to do with this virus.

“My personal message for the public is that if you need medical attention, it’s really important that you get the support you require. Overall, the risk of developing other serious or life-threatening conditions remains unchanged during the COVId pandemic and people must be fully confident that they can and should, seek medical assistance if they are worried about themselves or a relative.

“You can continue to get in touch with your GP or call NHS 111 or NHS 24 in Scotland. If it is an emergency, you should call 999. All of these services are continuing to operate normally throughout this period.

“While the NHS has postponed many routine or non-urgent appointments in order to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic, this does not apply to urgent or emergency illnesses. What we’re concerned about is that our experience from previous epidemics tells us that there is a danger of increased harm and deaths from issues that are not related to COVID-19 simply because patients have delayed or not sought medical assistance for other urgent or serious health problems.

“People are understandably anxious about visiting their GP’s Surgery or going to hospital because they have concerns about leaving their homes and the risk of catching COVID-19. However, not seeking help when it is really required may place your health, and even your life, at risk.

“During this pandemic, the NHS is still here for you. We are open for business and we are never too busy to look after patients with urgent and serious needs.”

The joint message from medical leaders across the UK, issued on the 8th April by the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, is:

• You should continue to seek NHS help through your GP, NHS111, 999 or A&E if you or your family become acutely unwell and believe that you may be suffering from a serious or life threatening condition.
• You should continue with ongoing treatments for all your medical conditions and attend any hospital or GP appointments that are requested. Routine care is being carried out, where possible, through phone calls or video links so you will not be asked to attend unless absolutely necessary.
• Hospitals are safer than you own home if you are in need of emergency care. The reorganisation of services includes protecting patients who are being seen for conditions other than COVID-19.

The full statement from the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges can be found online