Ask if A&E is needed first

A spokesman said hospitals were especially busy during winter when viruses such as flu and Norovirus were circulating, and slips and trips were common and choosing the right service could result in quicker treatment.

Dr Andy Haynes, Executive Medical Director at the Trust, said: “Significant illnesses or injuries such as suspected broken bones, chest pain, blackouts, difficulty breathing or blood loss should be dealt with by the Emergency Department.”

“People with minor accidents and illnesses, including bruises, grazes, coughs, colds and sore throats, and young, fit people who have flu or winter vomiting bug should take advice from their GP, local pharmacist or out of hours service in the first instance.”

The GP out of hours service can be accessed during evenings, weekends and bank holidays by dialling your usual GP surgery telephone number.

The out of hours centre, which is also a 24 hour a day, seven day a week walk in centre, is located alongside the Emergency Department at King’s Mill Hospital.