Warwickshire NHS groups appeal for patients to use A&E for accidents and emergencies only

Health bosses across Warwickshire are strongly urging people to help A&E departments cope with extra demands by not turning up unnecessarily this winter.

Last weekend saw an almost 60 per cent increase in the number of people visiting A&E with minor injuries or complaints, which could have been treated by visiting a pharmacy, self-care or calling 111.

Winter is typically an extremely busy time for health services, in particular A&E departments.

Certain long term conditions can be exacerbated by cold weather and flu circulating in the community with more time spent indoors in close proximity to others providing a breeding ground for viruses.