NHS advice ahead of the Grand National Festival

The local NHS is advising people how to use NHS services appropriately to enjoy the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse this week.

The three-day racing event is taking place during what is an already busy period for the NHS, with the Easter Bank Holiday weekend having just passed and ongoing industrial action presenting additional challenges, which the whole system is working together to manage.

Each year staff at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Aintree University Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, see a higher number of attendances at their Emergency Departments over the three days of the races.

Aintree Hospital, the closest hospital to the racecourse, can see up to 20% more patients with minor injuries than normal. Increased attendances are also seen at the Royal’s Emergency Department, as people continue their evenings in Liverpool city centre.

Dr Jim Gardner, Chief Medical Officer at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Grand National Festival is a landmark event for Liverpool and we want people to have a brilliant time, whether they are attending Aintree Racecourse or enjoying the event elsewhere. But we also want our local communities to look out for one another and enjoy the festival sensibly. Please take care of yourselves, drink in moderation and look after friends and family.

“For anyone requiring urgent or emergency care, our Emergency Departments are always open and our teams are here to help you. However, if you do come to our hospitals with a non-urgent condition, please expect to wait much longer whilst we prioritise those who need our help most.”

People with non-life-threatening injuries who need to be seen by a health professional face-to-face can contact NHS 111 online or by phone, which will direct them to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment.

NHS 111 is staffed by a team of trained professionals and clinicians who provide instant over-the-phone triage and can arrange a face-to-face appointment with an out-of-hours GP, or at a local hospital Emergency Department if needed.

Alternatively, local residents can also attend an NHS Walk-in Centre without an appointment. All of Liverpool’s Walk-in Centres are open from early until late (8am-8pm), seven days a week, including Bank Holidays.

People are also reminded that they can get advice and treatment for lots of minor illnesses and ailments by visiting a local pharmacy – without the need for an appointment.