THE under-pressure A&E team at Hereford County Hospital has one more bank holiday to get through – and hope this one won’t be like the others.

So once again, the team stresses a few simple precautions to make its life just a little easier over a long weekend.

The biggest pitch is the use of alternatives to A&E for minor injuries and ailments, and to have to hand a few things at home such as cream for insect bites, sunscreen, and painkillers.

Dr Andy Watts, Chair of Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We're urging everyone to consider alternatives NHS services for minor injuries and ailments, such as your local pharmacy or the Asda Walk In Centre, in Hereford, so that you don’t need to wait in A&E unnecessarily.”

“If you do need medical help and it’s not an emergency call NHS 111 for advice over the phone.”

Jane Griffin, A & E Lead Nurse at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said:   “Bank holidays and weekends are our busiest time in A&E and whilst we do our very best to see and treat everyone as quickly as possible, if you have a minor injury or ailment you may have to wait longer to be seen.  So you can help other patients by only attending A&E for serious injuries or illnesses”.