Winter illnesses cause high emergency care demand

People with minor injuries have been asked not to attend Noble's Hospital on Wednesday

Winter illnesses have caused "extremely high demand" at the Isle of Man's main emergency department, Manx Care has said.

The health body has advised those seeking treatment to only attend Noble's Hospital for urgent care and use other services for more minor ailments.

The spokesman for the healthcare provider said waiting times for minor illnesses would be "significantly extended" following a "sustained increase in the numbers of patients who need to be admitted".

Nursing and medical resources were "committed to treating the most sick patients", he added.

People have been asked to visit Ramsey Cottage Hospital for minor injuries, or access treatment at local pharmacies or through Specsavers' Minor Eye Conditions Scheme.

However, those in need of urgent or emergency treatment have been encourages to continue to attend Noble's Hospital or call 999.