'Very busy' hospital advises patients to visit GPs first

The Emergency Department at the Midland Regional Hospital has warned that it is currently “very busy”, and as a result, is asking patients with less serious conditions to contact their GP in the first instance.

It explained that it has admitted a lot of patients with complex needs recently, many of whom remain in the ED, awaiting a bed.

“We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep our ED services for the patients who need them most,” the hospital said, in a statement issued this afternoon.

“However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried that your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.