HEALTH bosses in Worcestershire are urging people to stop and think about whether they really need to go to accident and emergency units if they are injured or unwell.

Emergency departments across the county continue to be extremely busy, so patients are urged to remember that A and E is for life-threatening emergencies only.

Minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home, getting plenty of rest and making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

Your local pharmacist can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more.

You can call NHS 111 24 hours a day for fast, free medical advice when it's not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.

For injuries such as injuries such as less serious cuts, grazes, sprains and burns, the minor injury units at community hospitals in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern and Tenbury offer fast, convenient and expert care.

NHS Trust chief executive Chris Tidman said: “Our A and E departments continue to be extremely busy at the moment, and October 4 was the busiest Sunday on record with 249 attendances.

“Our staff are doing a fantastic job under increasing pressure, but we’re inevitably experiencing longer waiting times at the moment. "So please think carefully before deciding to use A and E, as it has to be protected for emergencies and life-threatening conditions. For other conditions, please make full use of the county's minor injury units, GP out-of-hours services, NHS 111 and pharmacies. "