TORBAY Hospital bosses have urged people not to visit its emergency department unless they need life-saving care.

The A and E is described as ‘very busy’ today.

A hospital spokesman said: ‘Our emergency department at Torbay Hospital is very busy and we’re seeing lots of people who could be treated by another service.

'Only use our emergency department if you need life-saving care for conditions such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness or severe bleeding.

'Anyone who comes to our emergency department with a minor ailment or condition will be sent to our urgent treatment centre at Newton Abbot or our minor injuries department at Totnes.

‘Our doctors and nurses can treat conditions including suspected and broken bones, injuries from slipping on the ice, something which needs an x-ray or stitching and animal bites.

‘We’re doing this to ensure our emergency teams can focus on treating people who need life-saving care.

‘Thank you for your understanding and support.’

The Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Alternatively, GPs are available for routine health advice and community pharmacist can help and treat conditions such as coughs, colds, flu, nappy rash, red sticky eyes and water infections (UTIs).