HOSPITALS in BCP are urging the public to call 111 first, before heading to the accident and emergency department following a surge in attendances.

The number of patients attending hospitals in the conurbation has increased by 15 per cent, according to University Hospitals Dorset

Royal Bournemouth Hospital has revealed they are averaging around 260 patients per day at the moment, which is a 15 per cent increase based on what they would usually expect for this time of year and when compared to 2019.

Just two weeks ago, Royal Bournemouth Hospital was seeing more than 300 people per day.

Consultant in emergency medicine and clinical director, Dr Gary Cumberbatch, issued an urgent plea to residents of the conurbation - to please dial 111 first, before heading to accident and emergency.

There’s also been an increase of around 20 per cent in patients being brought in by ambulance.

At Poole, this average is around 216 patients per day and again an increase.

In terms of waiting time, the hospitals have a mean time of 200 minutes which they aim for, but it is currently around 260 minutes at RBH.

A University Hospitals Dorset spokesperson said: “ To emphasise the messages in the video, we would really appreciate people contacting NHS 111 first before they attend so our incredible staff can ensure everyone gets the timely, most appropriate care they need.”