Top doctor: People still using A&E 'unnecessarily'

Over the previous two weeks, like many parts of the country, we have experienced a surge in demand on the local emergency and urgent care system. Our system on the whole has coped with this increased demand, but it is still under considerable pressure and we expect this to continue throughout the coming week.

However the evidence from hospital A&E Departments, including those at the BRI, Southmead Hospital and Weston General Hospital is that many people are still continuing to use A&E unnecessarily.

We all want the best care for ourselves and our families but if you are feeling under the weather, attending A&E may not be the answer. I would urge people to seek out advice from their pharmacist first, contact their GP or ring 111.