Doctors are warning New Year partygoers to go easy on the booze in case they end up in A&E

Medway GP Dr Chris Markwick said: “The party season is traditionally one of the busiest times for hospital A&E units.

“Unfortunately, some revellers end up drinking too much and not only spoil their own fun but cause problems for others.

"While we do not want to be killjoys, it is important for the public to realise that alcohol-related injuries can stretch hard-pressed A&E staff to the limit.”

Dr Markwick added: “Winter is always a busy time for the NHS. The cold weather leads to extra pressure on hospital A&E departments as more patients seek help for heart problems, breathing difficulties and stroke.

“There are also more injuries from falls. And the spread of viruses, such as the winter vomiting bug - norovirus, can force hospitals to close wards with the subsequent loss of emergency beds.

"Anyone going to A&E with alcohol-related problems can slow up the system and could delay treatment for those who really need it.

“I appeal to everyone to look after their friends, colleagues and family who may have had too much to drink and to ensure they get home safely and don’t injure themselves.

"If people have had a serious accident, or consider their condition to be life-threatening, then A&E may well be the right place for them.

“But I urge people with illnesses and injuries that can be treated at home, by a GP or pharmacist, or at a minor injuries unit, to stay away from A&E and keep it free for those who really need specialist care.

“If you are ill or injured but it is not serious enough for a 999 emergency, and you can’t visit a GP surgery, call the free NHS 111 number for advice and guidance."

The advice comes after Medway's A&E department reported a 30% rise in patients on Saturday and Sunday and warned the pressure on emergency services will continue into the new year.

A spokesman said: "As pressures on the hospital’s services look set to continue into the new year, members of the public are advised to only attend A&E for serious health emergencies.

“If the situation is not an emergency, people are advised to consider making an appointment with their GP, visiting a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit, or going to their local pharmacy.

“Unfortunately, those choosing to attend the emergency department will face lengthy waiting times unless their case is a true emergency.”

North Kent patients have a choice of three minor injury units:

Gravesham Community Hospital
Bath Street, Gravesend, DA11 0DG
Phone: 01474 360816
Open 8am to 8pm, every day of the year.
X-ray is available: 8.30am to 7.30pm Monday and Tuesday; 8.30am to 5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Sheppey Community Hospital
Plover Road, Minster, ME12 3LT
Phone: 01795 879100
Open 9am to 9pm, every day of the year.
X-ray: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital
Bell Road, Sittingbourne, ME10 4DT
Phone: 01795 418300
Open 9am to 9pm, every day of the year.
X-ray: 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 10am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday.

You can visit a Minor Injury Unit for treatment of cuts, sprains, strains and suspected broken arms or lower limbs and for advice on many other minor ailments.

New Year’s Day opening times for other services

GP walk-in centre, Canterbury Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LF – 8am to 8pm.

Medway chemists
Karsons Pharmacy, 69-71 City Way, Rochester, ME1 2BA – 10am to 6pm.
Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Road, Gillingham, ME7 5LJ – 8am to 10.30pm.
Asda Pharmacy, 387 Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9SE - 10am to 4pm.
Boots Pharmacy, 30-34 Wilmot Square, The Pentagon, Chatham, ME4 4BB – 10am to 6pm.
Boots Pharmacy, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, ME7 3PB – 10am to 4pm.
Island Pharmacy, The Edgeway, St Mary’s Island, ME4 3EP – 4pm to 10pm.
Morrisons Pharmacy, Princes Avenue, Walderslade, ME5 8BA – 11am to noon.