Only come to A&E if it's an emergency, urges busy Bedford Hospital

The A&E unit has been inundated over the last week of so, with as many as 55 patients a day turning up for minor illness that could easily be treated by their GP.

And it is appealing to people to only come to the hospital if they have been instructed by other healthcare staff - like their GPs - or if it's an emergency.

Since December 9, on average 20 per cent of those who visited A&E had minor illnesses that could have been treated elsewhere.

A hospital spokesman said: "This is an average of 55 patients per day."

And added the message was quite clear: "Only come to hospital if you really need to be there - if it is a medical emergency.

"For all minor injuries and illnesses please contact your GP surgery or dial NHS 111 in the first instance."