THE Western Trust has issued an urgent plea to the public to think twice before coming to the accident and emergency department at Altnagelvin Hospital with minor ailments.
It says too many people are turning with minor ailments which are tying up the resources of doctors and nurses.
A trust spokesperson said: “The Emergency Departments provide the highest level of emergency care for patients, especially those with sudden and acute illness or severe trauma.
“Saving lives is the priority for everyone working in ED. Minor ailments such as colds and sore throats do not require treatment in an ED.
“There is a significant number of people attending our EDs with minor conditions and they are diverting highly trained doctors and nurses away from the job of helping people who are real emergencies.
“Think twice before coming to the Emergency Department and only come here if you have a serious and urgent condition.
“There are other services available like Minor Injuries, GP or GP Out of Hours and Pharmacies that can help you, so please think carefully before choosing the right one.
“Increased infection control measures are currently in place at our hospitals.
“To protect our patients and staff, people should not come to the hospital if they are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of Norovirus (nausea/vomiting and or diarrhoea) or someone at home does.
“People should not come to visit unless absolutely necessary.”