PATIENTS have been told to stay away from an accident and emergency department unless absolutely necessary.

Dr Shane Gordon, a Highwoods GP, said Colchester General Hospital's A&E is under severe pressure.

It is experiencing a 20 per cent increase in patients.

Dr Gordon has told patients to firstly consider treating themselves or visiting a walk-in centre.

He said unless they are suffering a life-threatening problem to go elsewhere.

 

See the full story in Wednesday's Gazette.