Sheffield emergency patients face one of shortest waits in country

Statistics for October show that both Sheffield trusts saw the majority of patients within the Governments targeted four-hour period – with one city clinic seeing every single person in the time frame.

Sheffield City GP walk-in centre on Broad Lane saw 100 per cent of its 5,654 patients within four hours.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation trust saw 98 per cent of its 4,834 patients within four hours.

The city’s teaching hospital’s trust, including A&E at the Northern General, saw 95 per cent of patients.

The average for England was 92 per cent.

Dr John Livesey, GP and clinical director for urgent Care at NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group, said he was pleased with the results.

He said: “All of Sheffield’s health organisations work hard, and in partnership, as we want local people to receive the best health care and treatment possible.

“Winter can be an extremely busy time for our health services as long spells of bad weather and sustained periods of winter viruses, like the vomiting bug or flu, can add to the pressure.

“We are asking people in the city to help us by helping themselves, taking some important steps, such as having the flu vaccination if you’re eligible, keeping houses warm, and looking after vulnerable and elderly friends and neighbours in periods of snow and ice.

“It is also worth remembering that your local pharmacy is a great place to go for medical advice about common illnesses.

“Many pharmacies are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays with no appointment needed.

“You can also speak to your pharmacist about medicines you should have in stock to help get you and your family through the winter season.”