THE number of people that attended Nottingham's accident and emergency department over the festive period is down on last year.
A total of 1,211 people went to the A&E department at the Queen's Medical Centre over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
This compares to 1,250 the year before and 1,417 people over the same three days in 2010.
Staff at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust said they are pleased that the number is falling and hoped people were getting the message that they should only attend the A&E department in the most serious of circumstances.
Mark Brassington, deputy director of operations, said: "The number of patients needing urgent care in our emergency department over Christmas was as expected."
There were 387 admitted on Christmas Eve compared to 420 in 2011; 370 on Christmas day compared to 373 the year before; and on Boxing Day, the busiest day of the festive period, there were 454 admissions compared to 455 last year.
Before Christmas the NHS advised people not to go to the emergency department unless they really needed to, and to use GPs and NHS Direct Centres wherever possible.
And as the QMC gears up for a potentially busy New Year period Mr Brassington said: "The people of Nottingham can continue helping us over the New Year by only coming to A&E if life-threatening or emergency care is needed.
"Those with minor illnesses and injuries are urged to seek help elsewhere."
The hospitals' trust gave the following advice for people who may have to seek medical help over the New Year:
Self care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as cough, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
NHS Direct provides a confidential telephone service, 24 hours a day, to give advice and guidance on health issues. Call 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk
Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment or go to your A&E. To find your nearest pharmacist text 'pharmacy' to 64746.
If you have an illness or injury that wont go away, make an appointment with your GP. To find a GP text 'doctor' to 64746.
NHS Walk-In Centres along with minor injuries units and urgent care centres offer convenient access to a range of treatments for minor illnesses and injuries that don't need a trip to hospital. To find your nearest unit or centre text 'walk' to 64746.
