South London hospital under strain urges public to avoid A&E

St George's 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.

Frontline staff are asking people with non-emergency injuries and illnesses to use appropriate healthcare services. 

The South London hospital revealed last week that it is extremely busy and is 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 the 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.

Local pharmacies can help those with minor medical problems. Individuals can also contact their GP practice online or by phone to be assessed. Those with urgent dental treatment should call their dentist or use the NHS 111 online service if they do not have a dentist or if they cannot get online. 

For urgent mental health care in Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton or Wandsworth, residents can ring the 24/7 crisis line at South West London St George's on 0800 028 8000. People living in Croydon can call South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 731 2864, choosing Option 1.

Anyone who attends A&E without calling 111 first will still be seen as normal, with patients prioritised according to clinical need.