People suffering minor injuries and illness are being urged not to go 'automatically' to A&E at a Norfolk hospital as it works through a busy period.

Bosses at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston are urging patients to consider other options as they say the site is 'very busy' and has 'minimal' beds available.

Duncan Peacock, A&E clinical lead, said: 'Please try and keep A&E for serious conditions and serious injuries.

'Consider using 111 for advice, it's a lot easier sitting at home calling 111 than coming up to A&E unnecessarily. The vast majority of minor illnesses are self-limiting and do not need medical attention.'

Patients are being asked to consider the following treatment or care before coming to A&E:

? Treat minor illnesses or injuries themselves

? Call 111 for round the clock health queries and information

? Visit a pharmacist for advice on treating common winter illnesses and the best medicines to use

? Go to an NHS walk-in centre for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries that do not require an A&E visit, and without needing an appointment

? Visit a GP for medical advice, examinations or an illness or injury that require prescriptions

People are also being reminded that coming to A&E or dialling 999 should only be used for serious illness or injuries considered to be critical or life threatening

Visitors are also urged to avoid the site if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours, to help protect vulnerable patients from infection.