By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter
A hospital is still experiencing high demand after urging the public not to turn up at A&E for new prescriptions over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Front line staff at St George’s Hospital in Blackshaw Road, Tooting, are asking people with non-emergency injuries and illnesses to use appropriate healthcare services.
The hospital revealed last week that it was extremely busy and was experiencing high demand for services, including people turning up at A&E after running out of medication as well as people visiting with mental health issues.
Many people attending A&E could be seen more quickly in other healthcare environments, the hospital said.
Kate Slemeck, managing director of St George’s University Hospital, said: “Following the Easter weekend, our emergency department teams continue to face a high demand for their services.
“Please use NHS 111 online or over the phone for when you need urgent medical help but it’s not an emergency, or visit your local pharmacy or GP.
“I’d like to thank everyone that has helped us by accessing the care that’s right for them.”
A person with a life-threatening emergency should call 999 and go to hospital if the NHS instructs them to.
NHS 111 can help people who have an urgent medical problem and are not sure what to do.
The service is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
Pictured top: St George’s Hospital