As A&E departments cope with an "unprecedented surge" in patients, a senior doctor is asking people to think twice before going to hospital.

In the first two weeks of December 5,958 patients visited the A&E departments at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals - an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Dr Ruth Charlton, joint medical director and consultant paediatrician at the hospital trust, said: "It is usual for our hospitals to get busier during winter, and every year we put in additional resources to ensure we can step up to the challenges of the colder season.

"But this year, we are seeing an unprecedented surge in the number of patients coming in.

"We would never turn a patient away, but the sheer number of patients we are currently seeing means that some people with less urgent injuries and conditions may have a long wait.

"We understand that this isn’t ideal for our patients and their worried loved ones, but we have to make sure that we deal with the most critical cases first.

"I would therefore ask everyone who needs healthcare to think twice about coming straight to A&E.

"The vast majority of the people who come to our accident and emergency have a genuine need for emergency care with us, and we are always more than happy to help people in their hour of need. But sadly, there are a number of patients who come to us when they don’t really need to, and would have been better off receiving care from their GP or advice from a pharmacist or NHS 111.

"Instead of attending A&E, you can call NHS 111 to speak to a fully trained advisor, book an appointment with your GP or speak to a local pharmacist."

For more information visit www.notalwaysaande.co.uk.