Patient warning as A&E wait times surge to 12 hours

An NHS trust has urged people to consider their options before going to its emergency department after waiting times reached up to 12 hours.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said the emergency department at Southampton General Hospital on Tremona Road was currently under "extreme pressure".

The trust said anyone in need of urgent care that is not life-threatening should use the urgent treatment centres at Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton or Lymington New Forest Hospital.

The trust said patients with minor health concerns should consider their community pharmacy for advice and treatments.