Whiston Hospital has issued an urgent plea to the public to only use Accident and Emergency Department if their condition is a life-threatening emergency.

Unprecedented levels of attendance at A&E, on top of high numbers of patients already receiving care in the hospital, have led to waits of up to 20 hours in the department for non-emergency patients, and hospital bosses are asking the public use alternative services such as Walk-in and Urgent Treatment Centres to try and ease the pressure.

Rob Cooper, Managing Director said:

"We would urge everyone that, unless their condition is life-threatening, they should not attend the Emergency Department. Throughout Christmas we have seen unprecedented numbers of patients in the hospital, but this has escalated further in the last 12 hours, and we are now urging those with non-emergency conditions to use the alternative services available in their local community.

Please use NHS 111 online for advice on the best service for your condition. Local Walk-in and Urgent Treatment Centres are open 7 days a week, even on Bank Holidays.”