UP to a dozen ambulances are queuing outside Worcestershire Royal Hospital as patients are told to think twice before arriving.

Worcestershire Acute NHS has warned patients they may experience longer waiting times at emergency departments as they are “extremely busy”.

At midday on Tuesday August 3 there were 22 people waiting to be seen at Worcestershire Royal Hospital A&E whilst outside almost a dozen ambulances sat waiting with patients.

In a tweet Worcestershire Acute NHS wrote: “Our Emergency Departments are extremely busy.

“Please help us to treat the most seriously ill patients as quickly as possible by choosing your health services wisely.

“Go to: https://111.nhs.uk or visit a Minor Injury Unit to get urgent care with much shorter waits!”

Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, repeated these sentiments.

He said: “Our Emergency Departments are very busy now, with patient numbers well above what we were seeing this time two years ago.

“Caring for so many people while also making sure that we protect our patients and staff from the risk of Covid-19 infection is a significant challenge, but one that our dedicated staff are rising to.

“Teams across our two Emergency Departments, GP surgeries, community nursing and social care have been working incredibly hard to ensure patients receive appropriate and safe care throughout one of the most challenging periods in the history of the NHS.”

Worcester News:

He added: “We would urge the public to contact NHS 111, either online or by calling 111 to receive free urgent care advice before attending our A&E department, and to only use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

“Please also remember you can seek help from a local Minor Injury Unit (MIU) for a variety of injuries including wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns with much shorter waiting times.”