County A&Es 'extremely busy' as health bosses urge public to 'choose well'
Health bosses have warned the county's A&Es are 'extremely busy' as they urged people to choose the service 'best suited to their needs'.
Winter pressures, which present serious problems for health services across the country, have been increasing in recent days.
The severity of the situation has been seen in Wales, where the ambulance service declared a 'critical incident' ahead of New Year's Eve.
At one point the service said it had more than 340 calls waiting to be answered.
Meanwhile in the West Midlands Walsall Manor Hospital also declared a critical incident due to the number of people needing emergency care.
In Shropshire, health bosses have acknowledged that the county's own emergency departments, at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, have been feeling the strain.
In a statement Dr Lorna Clarson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said that both A&Es are currently "extremely busy".
Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust reintroduced a requirement to wear facemasks on December 23 as part of an effort to reduce the spread of illness at the hospitals' most pressurised time of the year.
Dr Clarson has encouraged people to make sure they choose the service "best suited" if they or a loved one fall ill over the coming days.
She said: "Our emergency (A&E) departments at both our hospitals are currently extremely busy.
"We are urging residents to ensure they are using the most appropriate healthcare services to ensure everyone receives the care they need.
“If you or a loved one falls ill, knowing which service is best suited to your needs can make all the difference.
"Over the New Year period, your GP practice may be closed, however, a range of NHS services remain available to address your medical needs.
“For non-emergencies, NHS 111 is available 24/7, including Bank Holidays. Whether you access NHS 111 online or call free from a landline or mobile, you will be guided to the most suitable service for your needs.
“By choosing the right service, you can help reduce pressure on our local hospitals and ensure critical care is available for those who need it most.”
People have also been urged to consider contacting pharmacies for help, with advice and over-the-counter treatments available for a variety of conditions, including colds and flu, tummy troubles, sore eyes, throats or ears, rashes and skin conditions, minor infections such as impetigo or shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, and sexual health concerns.
People can find opening times for pharmacies here.
For life-threatening emergencies, such as stroke or heart attack symptoms, people should always call 999 immediately.
