Hospital A&E faces heavy demands this winter

HOSPITAL bosses are urging patients to only visit the hospital in an emergency as the accident and emergency department faces heavy demands.

Patients are instead urged to visit their GP, a pharmacist or phone 111.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: “We are still facing heavy demands on capacity in our Emergency Department and waits are still long for people without need for urgent or emergency care.

“If you do not require urgent or emergency care, we advise you first try alternative options.

“Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional, and can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them.”