Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Hospitals Under Great Pressure

... are reporting that Emergency health services across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire are experiencing major pressures.

Accident and Emergency departments are being stretched by the number of patients arriving at their doors, as is the Ambulance service.

The situation is so serious that health bosses and the most senior doctors from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire have united to deliver a hard-hitting message to the public. Dr Nicolas Small, Chair of Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group said: "The Accident and Emergency departments at our hospitals only have the capacity to treat people who have serious, life-threatening or dangerous conditions. Ambulances should only be called in genuine emergencies. If you use emergency services incorrectly you are risking the lives of others and won't get the best treatment for your illness.

"If you have a minor complaint or injury you should not come to A&E in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire: your care will not be a priority and you may even be sent away. If you call 999 for an ambulance and your life is not at risk, you may be endangering the life of another person in desperate need of emergency care.

"More than 240 people arrived at Watford General's A&E department on one day alone, including several people who thought they may have flu asking for prescriptions, people with toothache and some women asking for the morning after pill or a pregnancy test. Accident and Emergency was not the right place for them.

"Please do not attend our hospitals with common winter illnesses, such as chest infections, coughs and colds, diarrhoea or vomiting. We have never seen our hospitals under such pressure before which is why it's vital that everyone understands the urgency of the situation and what you can do to protect our essential hospital services this winter."

There are other excellent services that can help - including some that provide instant access if you, a family member or a friend feel ill:

• Click on to NHS Choices website - for trusted advice and information on how to look after yourself and your family. It covers thousands of illnesses and conditions: www.nhs.uk

• Visit a pharmacist - for expert advice and low-cost medicines to ease your symptoms and help treat your condition. Every area has a late opening pharmacy and most have consulting rooms where you can ask for advice in private. Go to www.nhs.uk/service-search to find your nearest open pharmacist

• Make a GP appointment. If your GP thinks that you need to be seen at the hospital, then they will arrange a direct referral to the right specialist

• Phone NHS 111 - for free, round the clock medical help when your GP is closed when it's urgent but not a life-threatening 999 situation.

• Please also remember that there is a Minor Injuries Unit at St Albans City Hospital (open 9am - 8pm every day) and an Urgent Care Centre in Hemel Hempstead (open 24/7 every day).