HEALTH chiefs are asking people to only use Leighton Hospital’s emergency department for serious conditions, following a surge in admissions.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) said 50 patients a day were currently being admitted to the department compared to an average of around 35.

The Trust wants members of the public to only use the emergency unit for serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart-attacks, strokes, serious accidents and breathing difficulties.

Other less serious conditions can be treated through a variety of healthcare services available in the community or on the high street, as promoted in the NHS ‘Choose Well’ campaign.

The Choose Well campaign is a national initiative which aims to give people information so that they know where to go in the first instance to get fast, expert advice when they need it, and how to help themselves if they have a common illness or ailment.

Self-care is often the best choice to treat common illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, all of which can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

For expert advice and treatment, without the need to wait for a GP appointment, local pharmacies are able to provide a confidential service, as can NHS 111 and the NHS Choices website, nhs.uk NHS Choices can also help people locate their nearest NHS services such as GPs, dentists and pharmacies.

For further information on the local Choose Well campaign, visit the NHS South Cheshire Clinical Commission Group (CCG) website southcheshireccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/choose-well, or the NHS Vale Royal CCG website valeroyalccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/choose-well