HOSPITAL bosses are urging people to think carefully about whether they need emergency care before visiting A&E this week as the flu outbreak rages.
The emergency department at Queen’s Hospital, in Romford, and King George Hospital, in Goodmayes, are under particular strain, with patients facing long waits.
People are instead asked to visit GPs or attend a local walk-in centres.
A spokesman said: “A&Es are always busy after the festive period and the additional strain of the flu outbreak is stretching services further. “Unless people have life-threatening illness or injury, they will be seen much more quickly and appropriately elsewhere.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here