As a result of the continual cold weather Tamworth Hospital is experiencing its busiest period and people seeking medical attention are being encouraged to visit their general practitioner for non-urgent medical conditions.

This will allow the hospital to continue to give priority to people in need of emergency care.

Tamworth Hospital emergency department (ED) director, Dr Nick Ryan, said the department recognised access to GPs in the region was limited and accepted that a growing number of people presented to the ED because they couldn’t get into their own doctor.

“We recognise there aren’t a lot of alternatives for people who need to see a GP but people with minor aliments should continue to visit their GP if their case is not urgent,” Dr Ryan said.

He said it was important for people who suffered chronic conditions to continue to visit their GP so a running record of their condition could be kept.

“It’s important to remind people that when they do present to the ED patients are treated in order of priority and that the ward is designed so the ‘sicker’ people are seen first.

“That means if there is someone of a higher medical priority they will be attended to first,” Dr Ryan said.

Dr Ryan said June, July and August were the ED’s busiest months.

“On average the ED sees 43,000 patients each financial year.

“That amounts to about 120 people each day and in the busier months numbers could be higher,” he said.

On Monday NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher launched a new, statewide advertising campaign designed by and featuring emergency department specialists to support the If it’s not an emergency – see your GP campaign.

Hunter New England Health financially supported the campaign which first aired on the television on Monday night and was filmed in Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital.