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Hospital staff are working under "winter-like strain", with patients using emergency departments inappropriately, a West Yorkshire health trust has said.

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said it had seen an increase in people who did not have serious or life-threatening conditions turning up, leading to long waits for treatment.

The trust runs A&Es at Pinderfields and Dewsbury hospitals, as well as an urgent treatment centre (UTC) in Pontefract.

Chris Evans, the trust's chief operating officer, said: “We’re asking all patients to think carefully before coming to A&E."

The trust said total attendances across its A&E departments and UTC had increased by 10% between 1 January and 23 May 2024, compared to the same period last year - equivalent to 72 additional attendances per day.

Meanwhile, the number attending A&E with minor illnesses or injuries rose by the equivalent of 59 per day over the same period. Of those, 87% did not require admission to a hospital bed.

Mr Evans said: "Members of the public can really help by making sure they are making the right choice when accessing healthcare services.

“If you are unwell and are unsure which healthcare service you need, call or access NHS 111 online, where you will be directed to the most appropriate care for your health need.

"If you are in a serious or life-threatening situation, it’s important you still do continue to come forward.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to our staff, for continuing to work extremely hard during this very busy period.”

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