SOUTHAMPTON hospitals remain under “intense pressure” as winter pressures continue.

Bosses say many people, particularly the elderly, are not seeking medical advice early enough from GPs or the NHS 111 service which means doctors and nurses are dealing with more cases in hospitals.

The most common issue at Southampton General Hospital is respiratory issues among the elderly that have been left unchecked.

Andy Hyett, deputy chief operating officer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the General, said: “As with any winter period, we remain under intense pressure with capacity very stretched and increasing numbers of elderly people suffering from severe respiratory problems.

“The main issue we have at the moment is that many do not appear to be seeking medical advice early enough from their GP, either by phone or appointment, so they are coming to us in a worse condition - often requiring admission.”

Doctors are also urging people with sickness and diarrhoea to stay at home or see a GP unless they develop any other symptoms.