The chief clinical officer for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has made an urgent plea for people to only use accident and emergency departments when they are acutely ill following a large increase in the number of patients visiting each day.

Latest figures reveal an increase of more than 60 patients per day at the county’s three main hospitals compared to this time last year, creating too much pressure on the system.

Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon has seen 13 more people per day, Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge was averaging 30 more people per day, and

Peterborough Hospital was dealing with 20 more people per day.

Dr Neil Modha said: “I am asking patients to choose the right health service for their health problem.

“A&E should only be used by people who are acutely ill or have life threatening problems such as stroke, blacking out or having severe blood loss. By using the right service, treatment can be given quicker to those in need of urgent care.”

The data, which is based on the average daily rate for 2013/14 compared with the average daily rate seen between March 1–19.

Dr Modha added: “There are a number of minor illness and injury units in the region who can help with things like x-rays, wound stitching, bites, minor burns and scalds and sports injuries. Alternatively, GP practices and pharmacists can help with so many minor ailments such as colds, flu, headaches, sore throats, ear aches, emergency contraception, skin problems and more. All of these are a good first port of call.”

Anyone unsure about where to go for treatment should call 111.