Patients are being urged to stay away from accident and emergency (A&E) units like the one at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital if they are suffering from minor complaints.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust says it is “experiencing high demand across all sites due to an increase in the number of emergencies throughout Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties”.
The minor injuries unit at Spalding’s Johnson Community Hospital is not affected by the plea.
Patients are being asked to get the most appropriate help for their symptoms and to contact the NHS on 111 to be guided to the right service for their needs.
United Lincolnsire director of operations Michelle Rhodes said: “Staff within our hospitals continue to work hard to care for patients under the additional pressure.
“By choosing an alternative NHS service that could be more appropriate for their symptoms, patients can get treated quicker whilst helping to ease the pressure on A&E departments.”
Patients are being asked to consider self care, going to the chemist or visiting their own doctor.