PATIENTS in north Durham are being urged not to add to the extra workload in accident and emergency departments this Christmas.

The festive season brings a substantial rise in the number of cases of major injury and illness.

But health bosses want people with minor problems to stay away from the accident and emergency unit at Durham's University Hospital, and use other places instead, such as the minor injuries unit at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital, near Consett.

The minor injuries unit aims to see all patients within two hours. Often people are seen under the two-hour limit.

Laura Robson, director of nursing for County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Shotley Bridge minor injuries unit offers excellent care to appropriate patients and has enough capacity to help more patients, and to help them promptly.

"The winter is traditionally a time of great pressure on the NHS, and we want to make sure that people avoid any unnecessary waiting."

The unit is open between 8am and 8.30pm every day, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Injuries suitable for treatment at the unit include wounds and cuts; burns and scalds; sprains; suspected fractures below the knees; fractured arms and bites.

Its nurse practitioners are able to dispense some medication, such as painkillers and antibiotics and can order x-rays up until 5pm.

Anyone with a serious injury or an injury affecting the head, back, chest or neck, breathing problems or chest pain should attend North Durham's accident and emergency unit.

Anyone unsure of where they should go, or whether to dial 999, can call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47.