Queen's Medical Centre A&E reports 20% rise in patients

Staff at a Nottingham hospital have urged people to visit A&E only in real emergencies after an unexpected rise in admissions.

Bosses said 500 more people than normal were admitted to the department at the Queen's Medical Centre last week alone.

The unit, which is one of the busiest in the East Midlands, saw a patient increase of more than 20%.

However, hospital staff said many cases could have been treated elsewhere.

Staff increase

QMC emergency department manger Simon Evans said: "We don't really understand why we are getting more people - but we have seen up to 20% more patients.

"We have increased staffing at A&E and will increase it further with additional nursing and medical staff."

On an average day, the hospital treats about 450 people in accident and emergency. However last Monday admissions peaked at 571.

Patients have been urged to consider either visiting their GP or pharmacy for treatment.

Earlier this month, managers had to postpone 70 non-urgent operations because of increased admissions.