STAFF at Worcestershire Royal Hospital had an "incredibly busy" weekend, as hundreds of emergency patients flooded in for treatment.

On Sunday alone, 218 people attended A&E in Worcester - while 533 emergency patients were seen across the county that day.

Out of those attending the city's emergency department, 98 were acutely ill patients arriving via ambulance.

The spike in demand prompted West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic Ali Vinson to urge residents to avoid attending A&E if they could.

She tweeted: "Worcester royal is incredibly busy tonight so if you can avoid A&E then please do so."

The number of ambulances attending Worcestershire Royal Hospital has increased by 20 per cent year-on-year, according to Chris Tidman, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

He said: "Last week and especially over the weekend (where we treated over 1000 people) we continued to be very busy in our A&Es and our clinical team worked exceptionally hard to ensure that patients were seen and treated as fast as possible.

"Over the last years we have seen a rise in the number of ambulances attending both of our hospitals and in particular a 20 per cent increase year on year in the number attending Worcestershire Royal.

"In addition, we have seen a significant increase in people walking into our departments. This is one of the reasons why we are investing in expanding our A&E facility at Worcestershire Royal which is due to open later this year."

Last year, the Worcester News reported the Royal’s emergency department would expand by around 50 per cent, along with 150 more car parking spaces and a new discharge lounge.

Mr Tidman urged members of the public to "be aware" of the county's Minor Injury Units, which are available to treat a range of problems, including suspected broken bones.

He said: "We are working closely with all of our healthcare partners to ensure that patients are discharged from hospital without unnecessary delays where they need on-going care and are working with them to increase community support for those patients who can be discharged safety back home with additional healthcare help and support.

"We are asking the public to be aware of all the services available to them, which are open and able to treat minor injuries including suspected broken bones.

"So please think carefully before deciding to use A&E as you may be asked to wait as we see patients in order of clinical priority.

"There are five Minor Injury Units across the county – in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern and Tenbury Wells – which can offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns."