People warned to avoid 'at capacity' Merseyside A&E services

The trust said it was facing 'its most challenging week to date'

People have been asked not to attend two A&E services on Merseyside unless it is "absolutely essential".

The emergency departments at Southport and Whiston hospitals were at "at full capacity", the medical director at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust said.

Dr Peter Williams said the trust was experiencing "its most challenging week to date".

He said the A&E departments were "at or over capacity".

"This is the most challenging week of the most challenging winter we've had to date," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Both of our A&E are at the highest level of escalation which means they are at or over capacity.

"Our wards are full and its put extreme pressure on all of the hospital but that has been felt particularly in the A&E departments at both of the hospitals."

People attending with minor injuries were warned they faced "unavoidably long delays" and were urged to use alternative suitable health services available such as 111 online, Urgent Care and Walk-In Centres, Pharmacists and GPs. 

People were asked to continue to only use 999 or A&E in emergency and life-threatening cases, when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk."The public's support during these very busy times is invaluable and we are immensely grateful for their understanding," he added.