Only seven per cent of people attending Accident and Emergency are admitted.

West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group which plans and buys healthcare services for Epping Forest has appealed to residents to use GPs and pharmacies before A&E.

More than 2,355 people attended A&E at Princess Alexandra Hospital in the first week of December with only seven per cent needing hospital treatment.

Chair of West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Rob Gerlis, said: “We have a wide range of services available, and need to keep A&E for real emergencies, especially over the winter period.”

“Your first point of contact for everyday illness should be your GP.”