People urged to '˜think twice' as Lincoln A&E struggles due to lack of doctors

Lincoln A&E is struggling to provide a full service and yesterday an '˜internal critical incident' was declared due to a severe lack of doctors.

A spokesman said the A&E department is struggling to fill rotas over the next few days and weeks are overly reliant on short and long term agency doctors to fill staff rotas.

Dr Suneil Kapadia, medical director said, “We are working hard to make sure we maintain a safe service for our patients. We are putting in steps to change our medical model. This means doctors from other specialities will be asked to support A&E senior decision makers to diagnose and treat medical and surgical patients who come through the doors.

“We need help from the public too and stay away unless they need emergency health treatment.

“To help ease pressures on A&Es, I urge everyone to think twice before they go to an A&E – if it’s not serious or life threatening, you shouldn’t be there. Many illnesses can be better treated by visiting your local pharmacy, calling 111, visiting your local GP, GP out of hours service, or attending a walk in centre or a minor injuries unit.”

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