THE GLASGOW health board is urging people not to attend A&E unless absolutely necessary.

NHSGGC said they made the decision amidst 'unprecedented and unsustainable' demand.

They are asking those with non-life-threatening and less urgent injuries to avoid showing up at A&E.

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Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services for NHSGGC, said: “Our A&Es remain open and continue to assess, treat and admit emergency patients, however they are extremely busy and staff are facing huge challenges to ensure we’re able to treat patients safely and as quickly as possible.

"We continue to see large numbers of people attending with symptoms that could be managed by speaking to a GP, local pharmacy, or, by calling NHS24 on 111 before attending A&E.

“As a result of current demand at A&E, people are facing long wait times and our staff are under severe pressure.

“There are other services geared up and ready to see and treat you. If you’ve had a slip, trip or fall, we have numerous Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) across NHSGGC which can look after you, including if you’ve broken a limb. 

"More information on MIUs, what they can treat and how to access one can be found on the NHSGGC website.

“GP practices across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are operating normal hours, and community pharmacies are also open to help you get the treatment you need.

“Unless very urgent or life-threatening, please do not attend our A&Es unless you are referred.”

READ MORE: NHS Lanarkshire issues plea for families to take patients home

This comes after NHS Lanarkshire asked families to take patients home as an effort to help them cope with the overwhelming demand.

Yesterday, 16,103 new cases of COVID-19 reported across Scotland and Glasgow city identified 14,277 cases in the past week.