HOSPITAL bosses are urging patients not to attend A&E unless it is absolutely necessary for them to be there.

Arrowe Park Hospital has tweeted that it's emergency unit is under severe pressure following the Easter bank holiday and asks patients to consider alternatives.

A spokeswoman said: "As is the case with many other hospitals, the emergency department at Arrowe Park is currently under significant pressure following a very busy bank holiday.

“Our medical teams are working extremely hard to provide patients with the best possible care, but we urgently need to remind the public that A&E is for serious emergencies only.

“All patients we see are assessed and triaged, with priority given to those who are most unwell and need urgent attention.

"This means that people coming to the department with less serious illness and injury will have longer waits.

“During these busy periods, we are appealing to the public that if it is not a serious situation to use the many health alternatives available in Wirral.

The representative said there are walk-in centres, such as the one in Eastham, just around the corner from Tesco, or the one next door to the emergency department at Arrowe Park.

There is also a walk-in centre at Victoria Central Health Centre in Wallasey which has a minor injuries unit on site too.

For other non-emergencies, readers are advised to contact their GP surgery or visit their local pharmacist.

Contact NHS 111 by calling 111 or visit the nhs.uk/asap website.