An A&E consultant at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and Perth Royal Infirmary has appealed to members of the public not to attend at A&E unless it is a genuine emergency.
Mr Barry Klaassen said the departments have been extremely busy over the weekend with a mix of trauma resulting from slips, trips and falls, but said there has also been a high number of general admissions through A&E.
Some of these visitors, he said, have minor ailments and could have used alternative services like pharmacists or NHS 24, or waited until their own GP clinic is open.
He said: ”Once again staff have worked tirelessly and coped extremely well with the increased number of people coming through the doors.
”Obviously we would advise people to take extra care when venturing outside during this cold snap, but we also have another message for the public; that is to make sure they are coming to our A&E departments because these are the most appropriate places for them to be seen.
”We have been extremely busy over the past days but, in among those real emergencies, there have been a number of people presenting at A&E when they could have waited to go to their GP, sought advice from their community pharmacy or contacted NHS 24 to get advice.
”At peak times such as this cold snap, and especially over holiday periods like next weekend and into the following week, we need to make sure that we are able to see people quickly if they need emergency care.
”Members of the public have always recognised that A&E is for those with genuine emergencies, however they are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed.
”With some minor illnesses and injuries it is not always necessary to see a doctor or nurse. Advice can be given by pharmacists and NHS 24. However, if you feel you need to see a doctor or nurse but your GP is closed please phone NHS 24 on 08454 242424.”