PATIENTS have been urged to think twice before seeking treatment at A&E after a surge in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms.

About 200 patients a day attended the A&E over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, rising to almost 300 a day over the Monday and Tuesday bank holidays.

The usual number for a Christmas period is about 100 patients a day. It costs the NHS £120 a time to see a patient in the A&E unit.

The rise in the number of patients is being put down to people attending the A&E suffering with flu. Health chiefs are now urging people to think before seeking emergency medical treatment over the new year weekend.

Lokesh Narayanaswamy, A&E consultant at Basildon Hospital said: “It’s crucial everyone helps to keep A&E departments free to deal with real emergency cases.”

People are being urged to stock up on medication at home and to ring their out-of-hours GP or ring NHS Direct if they are concerned.

Barbara Stuttle, chief nurse and deputy chief executive at NHS South West Essex, added: “Health advice is on hand, even after working hours, such as in pharmacies. You can use out-of-hours GP services by ringing your normal GP surgery, but remember that ringing 999 or visiting hospital emergency departments is only appropriate for serious illnesses and injuries.”

If you need advice or want to know about different health conditions or ailments, ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

For minor injuries such as wounds, sprains and broken bones ,there is a minor injuries unit at Orsett Hospital, which is open 10am to 8pm, seven days a week, including today and tomorrow.