Warning after half of A&E cases 'less serious'
GooglePeople are being urged to consider alternatives before visiting Hull's emergency department after nearly half of Monday's patients had "less serious" cases.
Interim group chief nurse of Hull Royal Infirmary Heather McNair said, out of 400 people arriving at A&E, almost half had less serious illnesses or injuries.
Ms McNair urged anyone not needing emergency treatment to consider visiting the urgent treatment centre, speaking to a pharmacist, or contacting their GP.
The warning comes following reports of long waits in recent days at the hospital.
In October, the hospital warned of long waits in the emergency department amid "intense pressure on services".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, these pressures have continued into December as temperatures drop and illnesses spread.
Ms McNair said hospital staff were "working tirelessly to see everyone as quickly as possible" and warned those not needing emergency care "may face long waits".
She said anyone who was unsure which service to use should contact NHS 111.
Hull's urgent treatment centre can be accessed near the main hospital entrance. The service is open from 08:00 to 23:00 GMT, seven days a week.
Those with life-threatening emergencies should not be deterred from going to the emergency department.
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