FOLLOWING a recent experience, Malton hospital nursing staff have limitations placed upon them due to the nature of their work and employer.

Members of the public seeking attention for minor injuries need to do so before the 5pm (preferably before 4.30pm), when it closes.

From this time there are only ward nurses on site. They can only deal with in-patients. They cannot even phone 999 for you unless you are an in-patient.

This is not their choice and it is so obvious that this is upsetting to them when they are confronted with anyone wanting to be seen.

They will be very kind and take time from their busy schedule to explain all this to you. They will tell you to do one of the following:

• Go to York or Scarborough hospital A&E. You have to phone 999 from the entrance hall phone, press a buzzer located outside the building (if you can find it);

• Visit your own GP. If they are shut, you phone them and a recorded message tells you how to see a doctor out of hours;

• Phone 111 for an emergency doctor – but do this from home or 999 from where you feel unwell or have hurt yourself.

All this saves wasted journeys. It will also prevent possible disciplinary action being taken against any nurse who tries to help.

This is our NHS. Malton Hospital is local. The staff who work there do so deligently.

They need our support and not our condemnation. They are not to blame. Go to minor injuries at Malton before 4.30pm, if you can.

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