GRIMSBY hospital is reiterating where patients should go for treatment following a report which warns NHS plans to relieve pressure on A&E units this winter is inadequate.
The Government's cross-party Health Select Committee yesterday published their findings into an investigation into emergency care in England, and said it had been given "confusing" and "contradictory" information about what was being done to help.
NHS England has said it is considering various measures to relieve pressure ahead of the cold season.
But the MPs expressed concerns, stating staffing issues and rising attendances as among the main causes of the problems.
Their evidence found only 17 per cent of hospitals had the recommended level of consultant cover, while difficulties discharging patients and a lack of beds at times meant patient flow was disrupted.
The report was commissioned after the NHS missed its four-hour nationwide waiting-time target in the first three months of this year.
Today, the clinical director of accident and emergency at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Oltunde Ashaolu, said: "A&E departments in our hospital and across the country are extremely busy.
"We are seeing a lot of poorly patients coming through our doors who do require hospital treatment. Our staff work flexibly to ensure we maintain safe staffing levels.
"People with breathing problems, suspected strokes and suspected heart attacks should immediately contact the emergency services. Those with less serious ailments should consider alternative options available, such as a pharmacist or walk-in centre."
Following the publication of the report, the MPs urged NHS England's medical director, Sir Bruce Keogh, who is leading a review into hospital care, to look at weaknesses across the health service overall.
As reported, Sir Bruce's team came to Grimsby and their conclusion, published last week, saw the Trust which runs Grimsby's hospital placed in special measures, alongside ten other trusts.
The MPs also suggested ambulances could treat more patients to reduce hospital transfers.
An NHS England spokesman said it recognised there was work to be done and action plans would be in place by the autumn.
Also yesterday, latest figures show Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) still has a higher than expected death rate.
The summary hospital-level mortality indicator (SHMI) measure for NLAG for January 2012 to December 2012 stands at 115, which remains above the national average of 100.
It also indicates no improvement from the previous SHMI figure published in April, which was also 115.
Click here to read the committee's report in full
