Concerns lives could be at risk as hundreds stay away from hospitals amid coronavirus fears
New figures have revealed the extent that people are staying away from hospitals amid fears over coronavirus.
A&E attendance at Russells Hall in Dudley plummeted by 45 per cent in the month from the start of March.
Medical chiefs say they are worried people suffering with chest pain, suspected strokes and other serious conditions are not seeking hospital treatment due to fears of catching Covid-19.
In the week commencing March 9, a total of 1,666 people attended the A&E department at Russells Hall. By April 6, that figure had fallen to 987.
The result was that, for the first time in recent years, the trust that runs the hospital came within one per cent of meeting the NHS national waiting time target of 95 per cent, as reduced attendance levels meant patients who did turn up could be seen on time. It had been at 79 per cent the previous month.
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The drop in people attending A&E has sparked alarm among NHS bosses who fear lives could be at risk, and prompted a plea for people to seek treatment if they need it.
A summary report of the Dudley Group NHS Trust board meeting for April, published after the Express & Star revealed full papers would not be made public, said: "Emergency department attendances at the trust were almost 50 per cent down when compared to the same period in the previous year.
"Concerns across the sector have been raised that those with chest pain, suspected stroke and other life threatening conditions may not be accessing healthcare as needed.
"This had prompted a local and national public messaging campaign to encourage people to come forward."
Trust chief executive Diane Wake has sought to reassure people that it is safe to come to Russells Hall with non-coronavirus health concerns.
She said: "It is really important that people continue to seek our help when they need to, and are not put off from coming to hospital. Not seeking help could put your health, and indeed your life, at risk.”
