Experts at St Helier Hospital are asking people to come to the accident and emergency department only if necessary as the number of patients soar.

On Monday, November 18, the A&E units at Epsom and St Helier together saw 457 patients – compared to an average of 370 patients per day during November last year.

Staff are now asking patients to make the right choice about the services they need to help ease the pressure on their A&Es.

Dr James Marsh, Joint Medical Director, said: "Most people using our A&E departments genuinely need its services and are suffering a life threatening or real emergency to their health.

“However, there are also people who come because they feel mildly unwell, have a cough, cold, a minor cut or other everyday ailments.  They could be getting the right care faster somewhere more appropriate, for instance from their GP, a pharmacist, or even – in cases of minor cuts, coughs and colds – by treating themselves.”

It was recently revealed that ambulances have been diverted away from St Helier Hospital's A&E four times since 2012 because it is so busy.

Last year St Helier Hospital’s A&E recorded its busiest ever year – treating a record number of patients.

Earlier this year the hospital had to bring in temporary staff in order to cope with the increased demand on its A&E services and in March the hospital declared a ‘major internal incident’ because it was so busy.

Despite having such a busy A&E department the Better Services Better Value (BSBV) healthcare review, which is currently on hold, has recommended St Helier Hospital’s A&E department for closure twice.

Alternatives to visiting A&E:

  • For advice call NHS 111 or visit nhs.uk
  • For minor illness or injury visit your local pharmacy
  • Keep your medicine cabinet well stocked 
  • If you have a persistent illness or injury visit your GP
  • If you have a cut, a sprain or a rash visit your local NHS walk in centre, NHS urgent care centre, or NHS minor injuries unit. 
  • For life-threatening situations such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, blacking out, stroke or major blood loss always call 999 or go to your nearest A&E