STAFF at Oxfordshire's hospitals fear people are putting their lives at risk by avoiding A&E due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is urging people who are seriously ill to go to its Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Horton General hospitals despite Covid-19.

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Latest figures reveal that in March, A&E attendance at both Emergency Departments fell by more than a quarter (27.5 per cent) – with 10,408 visits compared to 14,370 in the same month a year ago.

There are worries people are not coming to the hospitals to avoid 'being a burden' during the outbreak and the trust warns delaying treatment could be fatal.

Sachin Mandalia, clinical lead for the Emergency Department at the John Radcliffe, said: “We want to remind people of the importance of seeking help if you are unwell.

Oxford Mail:

"We’re worried that really sick or injured people may be avoiding coming to hospital for fear of being a burden on our services during the Covid-19 pandemic, but this really isn’t the case.

"Our staff are here for you, and will treat any serious conditions or ailments you may have.

"We have systems in place to triage patients with suspected Covid-19, so everyone who comes to our hospitals will be treated in a safe manner.”

The Emergency Departments at both the John Radcliffe and Horton remain open to anyone who becomes ill with serious health conditions, including stroke, heart conditions, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, or heavy bleeding.

Oxford Mail:

This also applies to children, with the JR having a dedicated Emergency Department for younger patients.

All of these are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ansaf Anzhar, director of public health at Oxfordshire County Council, said if a child is seriously ill parents should not hesitate to call 999 or go to A&E.

He added: "The medical team are working hard to ensure you receive the care and support you need to ensure you feel better and we don’t want residents to stop accessing these services.

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"However, if you think your symptoms are not severe, please speak to your GP or pharmacist to find out about the best options to help you feel better.”

Across England, there were 1.5 million visits to A&E in March, down more than a quarter (29.4 per cent) compared to 2.1 million visits in March 2019.

Professor Chris Whitty, the UK’s chief medical officer, has warned of the effects of 'indirect deaths' as a result of the pandemic, and last week at a coronavirus press briefing said the NHS was 'open for business' adding: “I really must encourage people experiencing life-threatening or life-changing things to go to hospital.”

Oxford Mail:

Dr Kiren Collison, clinical chairman at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said the health body understood people who need emergency medical treatment may be 'reluctant' to go to A&E or call for help.

She added: "This may be due to worries about coronavirus or they may just not want to ‘bother’ doctors and nurses during this challenging time.

"However our hospitals' Emergency Departments are open in Oxford and Banbury and in the hospitals over our county borders.

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"Anyone experiencing a medical emergency such as a stroke or chest pains should use these services."

Dr Collison said for non-emergency health issues people should contact their GP practice, which will still be open and able to give advice and support over the phone in the first instance.

National advice for people who think they may have Covid-19 remains to visit NHS 111 online and self-isolate for seven days.