Patients with minor ailments are being urged to think again before going for treatment at Bradford's accident and emergency unit.

Waiting space in the department at Bradford Royal Infirmary will be severely reduced next month as major development work to create a state-of-the-art unit begins a new phase.

Staff will soon move from existing out-dated facilities to new accommodation nearby.

Seriously ill and injured patients will be treated in a newly-created resuscitation and high-dependency area boasting the latest hi-tech equipment.

But minor treatment and waiting areas for "walking wounded" will be temporarily limited and patients with non-urgent conditions are being urged to visit their GP instead.

Patients are also being asked to take a maximum of two family or friends with them or go alone.

All the information is included in a mailshot being delivered to 90,000 homes in the area.

For a 48-hour period, from May 10 to 12, while the changeover is underway the hospital will also not act as a first line centre in a major incident.

Head of casualty Tony Shenton said staff were looking forward to using the new resuscitation area which will be a key part of the revamped unit due to be completed in October next year.

But he appealed to people with non-urgent conditions to stay away to try to relieve pressure.

In some circumstances, adults turning up needing non-urgent treatment with conditions including long-standing skin problems, sore throats and in-growing toenails could be told to see their GP.

"These changes are being made so we can treat people quickly," Mr Shenton said.

A helpline has been set up to deal with people unsure about whether to see their GP or visit casualty on (01274) 364012.

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