Following a busy week, Wye Valley NHS Trust is asking local people to only visit its Emergency Department this weekend if they have a serious illness or injury.

The Trust is prioritising patients who are very sick and it could mean long waits for those with non-serious illnesses or injuries.

On Thursday, March 17th, the Emergency Department at Hereford’s County Hospital received more than 70 ambulances bringing in patients. On a normal day it could expect around 42.

This pressure is expected to continue over the weekend and the Trust is advising people with non-serious injuries or sickness to consider alternatives. These can include:

· Telephoning NHS 111

· Visiting the Herefordshire Walk-In Centre, in Belmont Road, Hereford, which is open 8am-8pm

· Attending the Ledbury Community Health & Care Centre Minor Injury Unit is open 24-hours-a-day

· Visiting Kington Health and Social Care Centre Minor Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm

· Using the Taurus extended GP services at Wargrave House Surgery, St Owen Street, Hereford; The Marches Surgery, Westfield Walk, Leominster; and Pendeen Surgery, Kent Avenue, Ross on Wye, which are available from 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays

· Seek advice from your local pharmacy

For more information on local health services, visit www.nhs.uk