A warning not to attend A&E except in an emergency has been issued by the Royal Berkshire Hospital after more than 350 people were admitted over the weekend.
The Reading-based NHS Trust said that it is still incredibly busy still after having one of the busiest weekends ever.
A spokesperson said: “There are long waits, with priory given to the sickest people attending.”
And there is still a delay caused by this peak demand.
The Trust spokesperson added: “This time last year, we were seeing an average of circa 250 to 280 patients and admitting 86 over a weekend. Over this weekend we saw 350 people through A&E with 109+ admitted on Saturday. Our new “normal” is higher than last year.
“By lunchtime today we had 81 people in A&E and had already had approximately 200 patients through.”
Instead of rushing to A&E, the Trust is asking the public to seek alternatives first and not to attend A&E unless necessary.
They added: “We are asking the public to please choose well. Do not come to A&E unless you need care that cannot be provided by GPs, pharmacists or seek advice from NHS 111.
“We have a walk in centre which is open today in Broad Street and every day this week from 8am to 8pm.”
For more on the Walk-In health centre, log on to its website.
