Doctors have urged people to consider alternatives before going to Bradford Royal Infirmary's (BRI) Emergency Department (ED).

The department is reportedly currently very busy, meaning longer waiting times for those with less urgent issues.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees BRI, St Luke’s Hospital, and the district’s community hospitals, has reported significant pressure on its services and wards.

Dr Ray Smith, the trust’s chief medical officer, said: "The most urgent and life-threatening cases take priority, which means that unfortunately people coming in with less urgent issues are experiencing longer waiting times.

"We are asking everyone to think carefully before coming to ED.

"Members of the public can really help by making sure, if they do choose to come to ED for treatment, that it is the best place for them to go to get the right care, as soon as possible.

"Our ED is for accidents and emergencies only, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, significant head injuries, and broken bones.

“Using an alternative to ED when you aren’t seriously ill, such as calling NHS 111, consulting your GP, or visiting your community pharmacist, could mean that you end up waiting less time to receive care."

ED clinical lead and consultant in paediatric emergency medicine, Mayada Elsheikh, added: "People who come to BRI’s department with minor conditions, which could be treated by self-care or a GP, will be re-directed to a more appropriate service away from the hospital."

Last week, a one visitor per patient restriction was introduced at the ED, in response to the trust reportedly seeing an uptake in flu cases at BRI.

The trust says it is encouraging anyone eligible for their annual flu vaccine to get it as soon as possible.

There are exceptions to the one visitor per patient restriction for those visiting with children, or for relatives of patients who are critically unwell.

Airedale Hospital said it was experiencing similar problems. 

In a social media post, it said: "Our Emergency Department is extremely busy at the minute.

"If you need medical help that is not urgent, please go to http://111.nhs.uk, call 111 or see your pharmacist."

Pharmacists can assess and treat patients for seven common conditions, including sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in women under the age of 65), without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

For urgent health needs that are not life-threatening, or if unsure what to do, NHS 111 can provide advice or direct individuals to the most appropriate part of the NHS, including booking an appointment if necessary.

NHS 111 can be dialled on the phone (on 111) or visited online at 111.nhs.uk