At the emergency department at Länssjukhuset in Kalmar, there has been high pressure throughout the holiday period.
- Last week we had to urge people in our waiting room: Those who are acutely ill should of course stay, but those who are not acutely ill should seek another level of care, says Erica Stenström who is department manager at the emergency department at Länssjukhuset in Kalmar.
Many tourists make mistakes
The reason why so many tourists come here, she thinks, is that they do not know where or at what level to seek care.
- The last four to five weeks, there has been an enormous pressure here in the emergency room, says Erica Stenström.
The high pressure in the emergency room means that the waiting times are unnecessarily long.
It can take over two hours before you can see a nurse for an initial assessment.
Something that could be remedied with more and better information and that you yourself reflect on where to turn when you need care.
Call 1177 first
- I think it is very important that those who are in our county who need care - should receive care.
But they must also look at what you can do yourself in your self-care and to what level of care you should apply.
You should not go directly to the emergency room, but first you should call 1177, says Erica Stenstöm.