Emergency medicine doctor urges patients to bring two things when visiting A&E
NHS doctor Ed Hope, teaming up with Doctor Mike on his YouTube channel, highlighted an essential tip to expedite care during A&E visits.
He emphasised the importance of a specific list that patients should carry: “It’s super useful for us if you bring a list of your medication.
“Any diagnosis you have, and the dates of any significant illness or operations.”
This list could include not just prescription drugs but also over-the-counter medicines and alternative treatments patients might be using.
The NHS echoes this advice, suggesting bringing your regular medications in their original boxes to A&E as it can help staff to assess potential drug interactions or concerns stemming from existing conditions or past medical procedures.
Dr Hope further advised: “It’s always good to have your phone charger too…be prepared for a long wait.”
Waiting times, especially in winter months, can be lengthy. A tough reality underscored by a recent report revealing five major hospitals facing severe strain due to ‘exceptionally high’ flu cases.
According to an LBC report, some patients faced wait times as long as 50 hours in one A&E.
Dr. Hope, who runs a popular YouTube channel, explained how these backlogs take weeks to accumulate and are not quick fixes.
Meanwhile, Barts Health NHS Trust advises those headed for the hospital to come prepared.
This can include packing stuff like toiletries and overnight clothes if needed.
Specifically, the hospital advises bringing “well-fitting, enclosed slippers” for stays that might involve an overnight, plus books, games, magazines, or any other entertainment for time spent in waiting areas.
