THE NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people across the county to leave emergency departments to focus on serious injuries and life-threatening conditions.

The call from Gloucestershire NHS comes as the holiday period hits full swing.

Clinical director for emergency care at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Dr Tom Llewellyn said: “Our emergency departments continue to face significant pressures and this is likely to continue as the summer season really gets going.

“Therefore, we would urge the public to do the right thing and only use A and E if they have life threatening conditions or serious injuries.

“If it isn’t a genuine emergency, you are likely to receive the care you need in a more timely fashion if you access other health services available. We need to focus our time on those patients who are seriously unwell.”

If people are ill or injured and are unsure where to turn, they are advised to follow the ASAP message – download the ASAP App (ASAP Glos NHS), Search the website (asapglos.nhs.uk), Ask NHS 111 or Pop in to their local pharmacy.