A STARTLING drop of more than 50 per cent in accident and emergency visits at a south Cumbria hospital trust has led to renewed concerns that people with non-coronavirus-related conditions are not seeking help.
A&E visits at the University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) fell from 10,261 in April 2019 to just 4,472 in April this year.
Included in these statistics is the Urgent Treatment Centre at Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital, although this does not deal with cases such as suspected strokes, chest pains and breathing difficulties.
Dr Shahedal Bari, UHMBT medical director, said: “If you are suffering with a health issue and have doubts, please do not hesitate to seek help.
"We would rather you called 999 or attended the A&E to find an honest mistake has been made than be too late to save a person's life.
"The doctors and nurses may look a little different at the moment, but it’s for everyone’s safety. If you are seriously ill, please don’t let that put you off coming to hospital."
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