Rise in visits to hospitals’ A&E
(BMA) say it is "incredibly worrying" that patients have not been using the NHS as much as usual.
NHS Trusts across England dealt with 1.3million A&E attendances in May – up from 917,000 in April.
Last month's total was still 42% below May 2019, which NHS England said was likely to be a result of the COVID-19 response.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine said the reduction had helped ease overcrowding, but said patients should not be afraid to get care.
Dr Katherine Henderson, RCEM president, said: "Emergency Departments are safe and if you are injured or seriously ill you should go right away.
“If patients have an issue, but only have mild non-urgent symptoms it is important to seek help from the right source. Pharmacists, NHS 111 and GPs are all there to provide care.”
Dr Simon Walsh, BMA emergency medicine lead, said: “It’s incredibly worrying to see that patients haven’t been using the NHS as much as expected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even though we’re currently battling a virus, it’s important that anyone who still needs our help, knows they can get it.
“Putting off seeing the GP or going to A&E for emergency care can not only cause a backlog once people feel more comfortable about seeking help, but can also potentially damage patients’ health.
“We appreciate people being so considerate at this time and really thinking about whether they need to use the NHS, but we are here for anyone who needs us, pandemic or no pandemic.”