Easter 'overindulgence' leads people to attend A&E for stomach ache and indigestion

People were urged to 'rest at home and drink plenty of water' after having 'one too many Easter eggs and a big Sunday dinner'

'People mistakenly believe they can get a quicker referral to a specialist for minor illnesses if they arrive at A&E rather than going to their GP' (Rex)

A hospital has urged its local residents not to “waste Easter in A&E” after a number of people came to emergency services with health complaints from "overindulgence".

South Tees Hospitals issued a warning over Facebook on Sunday after people arrived at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with stomach aches and indigestion caused by over eating.

The NHS Foundation Trust called on Teesside residents to “rest at home and drink plenty of water” after having “one too many Easter eggs and a big Sunday dinner”.

It also advised people to visit their local pharmacies, which are able to provide remedies for stomach problems.

Julie Suckling, directorate manager of A&E, said many people mistakenly believe they can get a quicker referral to a specialist for minor illnesses if they arrive at A&E rather than going to their GP.

Ms Suckling said: “Minor complaints that reoccur should be dealt with by a GP and you should only attend for assessment if you have an acute (sudden and serious) complaint, that requires emergency care.”

Another social media post issued by the NHS Trust said: “Earwax, stomach problems caused by overeating, false nails that won't come off, headache, period pain, colds and flu, sickness and diarrhoea - we have seen all of these in A&E in recent weeks.

"Please only attend A&E if you are seriously ill or injured. If you attend with a minor illness or injury, you could face a long wait."

Previous announcements from South Tees Hospitals warned Easter would be a busy time for their A&E department, with extra consultants drafted in to The James Cook University Hospital to cope with the expected surge in patients over the bank holiday weekend.

The news comes as January NHS England data revealed 88.7 per cent of patients were dealt with in four hours - the worst monthly performance since the target of 95 per cent began in 2004, the BBC reports.