Plea to avoid under-pressure A&E units unless necessary

A&E units will prioritise those with life-threatening conditions

People are being urged to avoid under-pressure accident and emergency departments unless necessary.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said medical teams were under huge pressure already and issued the plea at the start of the bank holiday weekend.

Sunderland Royal Hospital executive medical director Dr Shaz Wahid said it would prioritise those with life-threatening conditions and other people faced long waits.

Advice to patients is to consider using 111 first and local pharmacies instead.

"All services are really busy and the winter virus is still floating around," Dr Wahid said.

"If you do visit A&E expect it to be busy, we will always prioritise those with life threatening conditions first.

"If you've got symptoms like a urinary tract infection, most pharmacies can offer a service a where you can be tested and treated and won't have to go to your GP."

The trust said some GPs would be running enhanced services and offering appointments over the bank holiday weekend.

People have also been advised to stock up on things like headache tablets or plasters ahead of many shops closing on Easter Sunday.

Dr Wahid said the point of giving these messages was so those with serious conditions "get timely treatment."

Key messages from the trust:

• A&E is for life-threatening emergencies only

• Think pharmacy, GP & NHS 111 first

• Health advice and information is available via the NHS App, NHS website, and local GP practice website