PEOPLE are being urged only to use Airedale Hospital's A&E department in genuine emergencies.

The plea has been issued as the emergency departments at both the Steeton hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary are experiencing huge demand.

Many patients with less-serious ailments are facing long waits to be seen.

Airedale Hospital says the number of people seeking treatment has been high all winter, but that it had reached an unprecedented level in recent weeks.

With Easter and other bank holidays coming up, people are being asked to "choose wisely" if they need help with any health issues.

Rob Aitchison, chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our emergency departments at both Airedale Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary have been extremely busy recently, and unfortunately that’s meant longer waits for people with less-urgent issues.

"You can help by making sure that if you do choose to go to A&E for treatment, that it's the best place for the right care.

"Our emergency departments are for accidents and emergencies, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, significant head injuries and broken bones.

"Alternatives such as going online to 111.nhs.uk, calling 111 or visiting a pharmacist can mean that you wait less time to receive care and can get on with enjoying your bank holiday.

"I’d also like to thank all our health and care colleagues who are working across the coming long weekend to keep services running and to care for others. Thank you for all that you continue to do for the people of Bradford district and Craven."

Although GP practices will be closed on the bank holidays, pharmacies and NHS phone and online services will be available.

Pharmacists can provide expert advice on common ailments such as headaches, sore throats and aches and pains.

Details of which pharmacies are open over the bank holiday weekend can be found at bit.ly/pharmacybankholiday.

Dr Louise Clarke, a GP and strategic clinical director at NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Pharmacies are a fantastic first port of call for people if they are unsure what to do about a minor illness.

"Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can give you advice about your condition on the spot and recommend which medicines to buy should you need them. They will also be able to direct you to the right NHS service if they think that you need further help and advice."