HEALTH chiefs at the Accident & Emergency Department at Arrowe Park Hospital have urged people to stay away where possible as it is currently extremely busy.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust is urging patients to choose alternative options to A&E for less serious conditions and keep specialist teams free for those most in need. 

Janelle Holmes, chief operating officer at the trust, said: "As is the case across the North West, we are extremely busy today.

"While our staff are working very hard to care for some of our most unwell patients, for those with a more minor condition there may be a greater wait to be seen which we are very sorry about.

"We are asking the public to please do all they can to help ease this pressure by choosing a more appropriate option for their care if they have a minor condition.

"A&E is only for those who are most in need of our attention.

"A local walk-in centre can help with minor injuries and illnesses with no appointment needed.

"Pharmacies can also offer a range of expert advice for a range of common illnesses such as coughs and colds.

"If it is not an emergency, advice is also available 24 hours a day by calling NHS 111."

For updates see www.wuth.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/