THE number of people going to Colchester's A&E department has halved while more patients than usual are using the walk-in centre.

The unit saw 125 patients attend yesterday, when bosses would normally expect about 240. 

A spokesman for Colchester Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester General Hospital, said: "This is in part, we think, because people are heeding the advice to use [A&E] appropriately and are being mindful of alternatives in less serious situations."

He added: "Colchester Walk-in Centre, which is adjacent to the hospital, has seen a spike in the numbers of people coming through the door.

"We are grateful for the public’s support."

Since a 'major incident' was declared last Thursday, 37 non-emergency operations have been cancelled. 

"Some" long stay patients have been discharged but the hospital's contingency ward remains very busy. 

The spokesman added: "We review the internal major incident status daily."