From Monday 16 January 2012, the changes below will be made at the QEII hospital.
Adult emergency services
- Adults can continue to use the current A&E service between
8.00am and 8.00pm daily, but overnight the service will treat minor injuries only. Adults with minor illnesses should contact their GP or the GP out-of-hours service (03000 333 333); - People who develop serious or life-threatening conditions overnight should go to the Lister’s emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance, which will take them to the nearest appropriate hospital – normally the Lister;
- Those who are taken or go to the QEII overnight who have, or develop, a serious condition will be stabilised before being transferred to the Lister;
- Those unsure of where to seek help should contact NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or visit Hertfordshire’s new online service – www.wheredoigo.org.uk (available from 16 January 2012).
Children’s emergency services
- Children aged over 12 months can be treated 24 hours a day at A&E for minor injuries only at the QEII. Parents/guardians of children with minor illnesses should contact their GP or the GP out-of-hours service (03000 333 333);
- Children aged under 12 months who need to be taken to hospital should go to the 24/7 specialist children’s emergency department at the nearest appropriate hospital – normally the Lister);
- Children who develop serious or life-threatening conditions at any time should be taken to the Lister’s emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance, which will take them to the nearest appropriate hospital – normally the Lister;
- Those children over 12 months who are taken or go to the QEII overnight who have, or develop a serious condition, will be stabilised before being transferred to the Lister;
- Parents/carers unsure of where to seek help should contact NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or visit Hertfordshire’s new online service – www.wheredoigo.org.uk (available from 16 January 2012).
The Trust’s chief executive, Nick Carver, said:
“We’re very much aware that these changes need to be communicated carefully and thoroughly. To help alert the general public to the new arrangements, this week sees the launch of a local radio advertising campaign, supported by information carried by local newspapers. We will also be launching a new online service for Hertfordshire – www.wheredoigo.org.uk from 16 January 2011 that, along with the NHS Direct service (0845 46 47) can provide people with information about which service they should use – covering everything from self-care, through minor conditions to full emergency department services.”
Press release changes to QEII adult and children’s A&E services from 16 January
