MORE patients visited the emergency department at the trust which runs Colchester Hospital last month, with a demand rising above the levels seen over the same period last year.

NHS England figures show 21,138 patients visited A&E at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in June.

That was a rise of 5 per cent on the 20,159 visits recorded during May, and 46 per cent more than the 14,487 patients seen in June 2020.

The figures show attendances were slightly below the levels seen before the coronavirus pandemic – in June 2019, there were 21,500 visits to A&E at the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust.

The majority of attendances last month were via major A&E departments – those with full resuscitation equipment and 24-hour consultant-led care – while 26 per cent were via minor injury units.

Nick Hulme, chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our teams in the emergency department are here for anyone who needs urgent and emergency treatment.

“However, if it’s not an emergency, please use NHS services appropriately.

“If you need treatment, but it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk first.

"They will help you right away and if you need urgent care, they will book you in to be seen quickly and safely.

“Your local pharmacy or GP practice can also offer help and advice for minor illnesses and injury.”

Last month there were 384 booked appointments, up from 354 in May.

A total of 89 per cent of arrivals were seen within four hours, against the NHS target of 95 per cent.

But 67 patients waited longer than four hours for treatment following a decision to admit.