Health bosses are asking patients to re-consider visiting accident and emergency this week.

Patients are currently experiencing long waits at the emergency departments of King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

A spokesman for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “A&Es are always very busy at this time of year, and unless people have a life-threatening illness or injury, they will be seen much more quickly and appropriately elsewhere.

“Even if your GP surgery is closed, NHS Direct and out-of-hours GP services are available 24-hours a day.

Walk-in centres and minor injuries clinics – such as those at Harold Wood, Loxford or Barking – can also treat a wide variety of problems without an appointment.”

Have you been effected by the queues? Call our newsdesk on 020 8477 3796 or email ian.weinfass@archant.co.uk.