A&E admission surge in Shropshire's hospitals
The number of people arriving at Shropshire's accident and emergency units has surged again.
Last week, emergency departments at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford saw a total of 2,365 people – an average of almost 340 people per day.
This is an increase of 215 on the previous week – or 30 people each day.
Health officials say this week has also already been busy, with almost 350 people seen in the emergency departments of the two hospitals on Monday.
Bosses say a number of people who attended the emergency departments did not require the specialist services and could have been seen more quickly by accessing alternative services in the community.
This included people who visited A&E with coughs and colds, wanted to check their medication and had dental pain.
Sara Biffen, deputy chief operating officer at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: "We are continuing to see high numbers of people attending our A&E departments.
"We know that many people who have been to our A&E departments could have used an alternative local service, which would have avoided what can be a stressful visit to hospital.
"Your GP practice can give you general medical advice and care, including prescriptions.
"When your practice is closed you can contact Shropdoc, the out-of-hours service, on 0333 222 6655."
Mrs Biffen added that people suffering from coughs and colds could also visit their local pharmacy.
She said: "Pharmacies can offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
"NHS 111 can provide medical help fast when it's not a 999 emergency.
"As well as this, minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries."
