HEALTH bosses are telling people who need urgent care in not to go to A&E unless the situation is life-threatening.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said they made the decision amidst "unprecedented and unsustainable" demand.

They are asking those with non-life-threatening and less urgent injuries to avoid showing up at A&E.

Dr Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for acute services at NHSGGC, said:“Our A&Es remain open and continue to assess, treat and admit emergency patients, however they are extremely busy and staff are facing huge challenges to ensure we’re able to treat patients safely and as quickly as possible.

"We continue to see large numbers of people attending with symptoms that could be managed by speaking to a GP, local pharmacy, or, by calling NHS24 on 111 before attending A&E.

“As a result of current demand at A&E, people are facing long wait times and our staff are under severe pressure.

“There are other services geared up and ready to see and treat you. If you’ve had a slip, trip or fall, we have numerous minor injuries units (MIUs) across NHSGGC which can look after you, including if you’ve broken a limb. 

“GP practices across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are operating normal hours, and community pharmacies are also open to help you get the treatment you need.

“Unless very urgent or life-threatening, please do not attend our A&Es unless you are referred.”

The news comes as there were 16,103 new cases of Covid-19 reported across Scotland yesterday.

For more information visit the NHSGGC website.