A hospital under “extreme pressure” has advised patients without serious or life threatening conditions not to attend accident and emergency.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Harlow has issued the guidance as it struggles to cope with large numbers of patients.
People should call NHS 111 or visit local pharmacies for advice on the most appropriate treatment for conditions.
A spokeswoman for PAH trust said: “The trust has been experiencing extremely high demand in our emergency department.
“We would remind everyone that the emergency department is for critical or life threatening conditions only such as choking, chest pain, blacking out, blood loss and fractures.
“Those attending with non-urgent conditions will find they may wait much longer than emergency patients whom we will always prioritise.”
For further information, visit the NHS Choices website.
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