THE EMERGENCY department at the city’s biggest hospital has been experiencing “severe” and “immense” pressures.

University Hospital Southampton is urging residents not to visit A&E unless it is necessary.

Staff are “busier than ever” and have issued advice on other means of care, from visiting the pharmacy to booking an appointment with a GP.

A spokesperson said: “Our emergency department continues to be busier than ever. Our staff are working incredibly hard to care for everyone who needs our help.

READ MORE: Major sport fashion retailer to move into vacant flagship store in Southampton

“We are asking members of the community to help us by thinking about the best way to get the treatment you need; only come to ED in an emergency, consider visiting your local pharmacy and use 111 to help find the right service for you.

“Remember we are always here for you – always go to the emergency department for anything urgent or life-threatening.”

City councillor Ivan White, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, told the Echo he believes the problem is short-term.

He said: “I suspect this urgency is down to two things. The first is that more people are attending because of Covid restrictions easing and people are still getting Covid.

“This is expected to peak in a few weeks so A&E will continue to see more and more people.

“The second thing is that the hospital is suffering from staff shortages.

"It’s not unrealistic for them to ask people not to come, and of course, those who are in an emergency still can go.

“Rest assured, the hospital is functioning normally but is trying to relieve some of the pressure.

“I’d imagine this is a short-term problem.”

The hospital has taken to social media to advise patients.

It says that for common ailments such as a hangover, sore throat or graze, self care is the method to recover.

For advice on conditions like headaches and other pains, contact a pharmacy.

Symptoms that do not go away can be checked by a GP and urgent medical help that is not an emergency can be directed to NHS 111.

The spokesperson continued: “To help us prioritise urgent patients and ensure that you get the best possible care, we urge those without life threatening injury or illness to please consider the best course of treatment prior to visiting ED.

“Due to the immense pressures on our emergency department, we urge you to please seek the most appropriate course of treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

“If you are unsure, please contact NHS 111 for advice by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk”