Salisbury District Hospital has announced that 95 percent of patients attending A&E in August were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours. This is the first time the hospital has achieved this standard since April 2018.

Chief Operating Officer, Andy Hyett commented: ‘It is a really demanding, nationally-recognised standard to achieve – 95% of patients attending A&E being admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours. This is fantastic news that the hospital achieved the national standard in August. Our A&E department is one of the best in the country, which is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff.’

As we head into autumn the hosptal said it wanted to remind local residents that there are two alternative health services to A&E if people are unwell, which anyone can use: NHS 111 and local pharmacies.

NHS 111 is a free, non-emergency helpline run by the NHS that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides quick, accessible advice or refers callers to the appropriate healthcare professional. The same service is available online at www.111.nhs.uk.

Most people only think of their local pharmacy as a place to buy over-the-counter medicines and fulfil prescriptions — but pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals, says the hospital.

‘They are the right people to see for advice about a minor health concern. If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, they have the right clinical training to ensure people get the help they need. Pharmacists also can check prescriptions for safety, explain to patients how to take new medicines and providing public health interventions, like flu vaccines,’ said a spokesperson for the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.