PEOPLE seeking medical treatment have been asked to stay away from A&E if not urgent.

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has put out a plea for people to seek care in the correct places - because the emergency department has had a particularly busy weekend.

A spokesperson said: "We are seeing very high numbers of people needing urgent and emergency care this weekend.

"You can help us to help you by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk first if you think you need A&E.

"If it's something minor, speak to a pharmacist or contact your GP.

"For life threatening emergencies call 999."

The hospital recently apologised for long wait times in A&E following a County Press enquiry. It came after patients told the newspaper they had known waits of more than 24 hours.

The hospital admitted it had failed to meet the national operational standard that week, of at least 95 per cent of patients in A&E admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours.