People are being urged to only go to the Accident and Emergency department at Macclesfield Hospital if absolutely necessary.
With the hospital's A&E services becoming very busy this week, East Cheshire NHS Trust is reminding people that A&E should only be used for major, life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Trust Chief Executive John Wilbraham said: "Along with many other NHS trusts, we are currently seeing a very high volume of patients attending our A&E department and this is creating significant challenges for our services.
"That is why it is vital that the only people coming in to A&E are those who really need to. We are asking people to save A&E for genuine, life-threatening emergencies and instead consider options such as local pharmacies, GP surgeries and NHS 111."
Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as:
• Loss of consciousness
• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• Persistent, severe chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
For illnesses that are not life-threatening, people should first contact their local pharmacies, GP surgery or NHS 111.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can advise you on the best local service for the care you need.
The Minor Injuries Unit at Congleton War Memorial Hospital can also be used for minor injuries such as:
• Minor burns
• Cuts
• Minor foreign body removal, ie splinters
• Sprains
• Minor finger dislocations
East Cheshire NHS Trust's GP Out-of-Hours Service can also be used for assessment, advice and treatment as required for urgent healthcare problems that cannot safely wait until your GP surgery is open. The GP Out-of-Hours Services patient line is 01625 502999.
Local pharmacies can also offer help, advice and treatment for lots of common conditions. A list of local pharmacies across Eastern Cheshire and their opening hours over the New Year period can be found on East Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group's website.
