Health chiefs are asking people across Forth Valley only to visits its Emergency Department this Easter if you end up with a life-threatening injury or illness.
They are worried that if people attend with a minor injury or something that could be seen by a GP, it could cripple the department which is already under severe pressure.
The Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert is there to treat patients with serious illnesses and injuries, like suspected heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties, who require emergency care.
Anyone with a non-life-threatening injury or illness, who requires urgent healthcare or advice, should call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, to access advice and treatment as quickly as possible.
Patients who attend ED with minor or non-urgent injuries or illnesses may, where appropriate, will be safely redirected to other more appropriate services in or out with the hospital.
This could be the Minor Injuries Unit at Stirling Health and Care Village, a local pharmacist or GP practice or the Urgent Care Centre within Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
NHS Forth Valley’s Medical Director, Andrew Murray, explained: "The Easter break is always a busy time for the NHS, but this year we are facing extra pressures due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.
"This is resulting in significant staffing and service pressures in our hospitals and community teams.
"Our staff are doing everything possible to support patients but to help them please call NHS 24 on 111 for advice to help your get right care, in the right place.
"This will help keep avoid long waits and prevent our Emergency Department from becoming overcrowded.
"It will also free up our ED staff to deliver care as quickly as possible to those patients most in need of our help."
