A&E departments at Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals remain under pressure this week and doctors are urging people to consider alternatives if their case is not urgent.

Dr Aresh Anwar, medical director for Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our emergency departments remain under great pressure, with increased demand. We are urging members of the public to help us by using them only for what they are intended – accidents needing urgent attention and emergencies.

“We are seeing people attend with minor problems when they should be using more suitable alternatives like GP walk-in centres, contacting NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or their GP for advice.  We routinely discharge away from the emergency department approximately 60 to 80 percent of those patients who attend.

“We are also experiencing severe problems with capacity in our Hospitals and are seeking the support of families and relatives of patients in order to support their discharge from Hospital. This will support ward discharge teams in speeding up the processes.”

Local walk-in centres available include:

Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre Walk in Service, Warren Farm Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, West Midlands, B44 0PU

Washwood Heath Urgent Care Centre, Washwood Heath Health Centre, Clodeshall Road, Saltley, B8 3SN

Solihull Walk in Centre, Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, England, B91 2AE.