Walking like a penguin to avoid a trip to A&E is the latest advice from health bosses in the west of Scotland.

THe plea comes from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - and comes just a day after people were urged not to come to an accident and emergency department in the area unless the situation is life-threatening.

The health board warned on Thursday that demand on accident and emergency services had become "unprecedented and unsustainable".

Bosses now say that adopting a 'penguin walk' is a safer way to get about in the cold weather as it could help keep you stable and minimise the risk of losing balance or slipping on the ice.

The call comes as A&Es face unprecedented pressure this winter due to COVID-19 and other factors which means A&Es are operating at well over normal capacity.

In the event of a slip, trip or fall which requires medical attention, the health board is advising the public to phone 111 for advice first, rather than going straight to A&E.

The board says that going to a minor injories unit (MIU) for treatment will help keep A&E departments available for urgent and life-threatening cases.

Linda de Caestecker, director for public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “During winter months, the most common accidents that result in injury are slips, trips and falls. While most result in only minor bumps and bruises, thousands of people are admitted to hospitals each year with related injuries.

“While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, in the context of the wintry conditions we’re seeing today, penguins know best.

"If you find yourself out and about in icy conditions, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling. It’ll keep you safe and could help you avoid a trip to an MIU.

“During this time we should also make sure we’re supporting our elderly family members and neighbours by making trips on their behalf to avoid them having to go out in the ice.”

For more information visit the NHSGGC website.