PATIENTS have been urged to avoid attending Leighton Hospital’s accident and emergency department unless they have a ‘serious and life-threatening condition’.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) is asking patients to seek alternative care if possible due to the increasing demand on its emergency department.

The trust, which manages Leighton Hospital, said it saw nearly 1,600 extra patients between April and June this year compared to the same period last year.

A spokesman for the trust – which also manages Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford – said ‘robust’ plans are in place to deal with the extra demand.

The MCHFT spokesman said: “The trust is doing all it can to ensure the safety of patients, but is encouraging members of the public to only use its Emergency Department for serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart-attacks, strokes, serious accidents and breathing difficulties.

“MCHFT, which has seen nearly 1,600 extra patients between April and June this year compared to the same period last year, has a number of robust plans in place to deal with additional demand where it is deemed necessary to do so, but would like to apologise to those patients who are having to wait longer than normal for their care and treatment.

“It should be noted that if, when triaged, staff believe that patients can be treated through a different route other than the Emergency Department, this will be facilitated and the patient redirected accordingly.

“This ensures that patients who absolutely require A&E care are treated in a timely manner.”

The spokesman suggested patients treat ‘less serious conditions’ through other healthcare services available in the community or on the high street, as promoted in the NHS ‘Choose Well’ campaign.

“Choose Well is a national initiative which aims to give people information so that they know where to go in the first instance to get fast, expert advice when they need it, and how to help themselves if they have a common illness or ailment,” the MCHFT spokesman said.

“Self-care is often the best choice to treat common illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, all of which can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.”

Pharmacies can are also offer confidential advice and treatment, without the need to wait for a GP appointment.

Expert advice can also be given by calling NHS 111 or by visiting the NHS Choices website via nhs.uk

The NHS Choices website can also help you to locate your nearest NHS services such as GPs, dentists and pharmacies.