NHS services have seen an increase in demand over the past few weeks, including the emergency departments at Queen Alexandra in Portsmouth and the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford.

Dr Elizabeth Fellows, GP and urgent care clinical head for Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and South Eastern Hampshire clinical commissioning groups, has issued the following advice: She said “Currently A&Es are extremely busy – so people are urged to think if they really need to go to the department or if they could receive the care or advice they need from one of the many other services available across the area.

“We are also seeing higher numbers then expected of people with flu.

“While it is a very unpleasant illness, it is usually only a really serious concern for people who are already vulnerable. For people who are usually fit and healthy, in most cases flu will usually clear up in a week or so – at most – and there is little point in seeking out medical help.

“The last thing we would want is for those people who really need to be seen by the emergency department to not come but it is important to remember that the department is for emergencies like severe head injuries, chest pain and loss of consciousness.

“There is a range of other services including NHS 111 and the Minor Injuries Units that can treat cuts, sprains and minor fractures. Local pharmacies can also provide a wide range of advice and treatments for many common ailments and illnesses.”

Dr Fellows added: “There is lots of hard work going on to ensure we manage the demands we are currently facing which are likely to continue for the next few days.

“This includes community care teams supporting people in their own homes where appropriate and social care teams helping people to come home from hospital by ensuring the package of care they need is put in place as quickly as possible.

“Choosing the right service to go to will help ensure you are seen by the right person in the right place.”

The NHS has issued advice on how to treat flu, stating there are four things to do: drink plenty of water, rest, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower the temperature and reduce aches and pains, and take vitamin C, since antibiotics won’t help. 

It further states many common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home, that a pharmacy or chemist can give advice for minor ailments and health related problems and that NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, every day with advice from fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses and paramedics.

For ailments such as stomach pain and vomiting, a persistent cough or ear pain, a GP surgery should be called for advice.

For minor injuries, patients should go to their local minor injuries unit or walk-in centre, where they can treat deep cuts, sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, minor eye injuries, and injuries to the back, shoulder and chest.  

The nearest minor injuries unit is at Petersfield Community Hospital, Swan Street, Petersfield, GU3 3LB, opening hours 8am until 6pm, every day, or call 01730 263221.