THE number of people going to Hereford's accident and emergency department has risen to the highest level since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

More people visited A&E last month at Hereford County Hospital, but attendances were still far lower than in June last year.

With pubs and restaurants reopening in England, doctors have urged people to drink responsibly to ensure the NHS does not face undue pressure as the country gets back to normal.

The number of visits per month has steadily risen since April, with attendances falling after the coronavirus lockdown was imposed on March 23.

NHS England figures show 4,554 patients visited A&E at the Wye Valley NHS Trust in June.

That was a rise of 8 per cent on the 4,230 visits recorded during May, but still 23 per cent lower than the 5,899 patients seen in June the previous year.

In April there were 2,860 visits to the department, lower than the 4,079 visit in March.

Medical experts have previously raised concerns about people staying away from hospitals amid the coronavirus pandemic, with delays to seeking treatment potentially storing up problems for the future.

Dr Simon Walsh, BMA emergency medicine lead, said: "It is crucial that people who are in genuine need of emergency treatment know they can attend hospital to get the care they need, and that it is safe to do so.

"However, with A&E attendances gradually on the rise again the Government must ensure that capacity and resources are available, including beds and workforce, so that hospitals can continue to deliver safe and timely care for both Covid and non-Covid patients."

Hospitals had feared the reopening of pubs on July 4 may have led to emergency departments being overwhelmed.

But Dr Katherine Henderson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said these fears "thankfully do not seem to have come to pass".

"We appreciate the common sense of the public and thank the majority for following the rules so that they could enjoy their evening out in a responsible, sensible way," she said.

Figures on the number of attendances at A&E over the so-called Super Saturday will not be known for a number of weeks, she added.

The BMA said emergency departments have been restructured to allow for social distancing, meaning they are still operating with reduced capacity.

Dr Walsh urged people to use common sense when drinking, warning "we are not out of this pandemic yet".

He added: "If you have to go to A&E as a result of too much alcohol, you not only risk taking up the time of doctors and nurses who could be treating patients whose lives are in danger, but you also risk spreading the virus if you have it but aren't aware."

An NHS spokesman said staff had pulled out all the stops to deal with coronavirus and ensure the continuation of essential services.

He said: "Whether you or a loved one have the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, are a parent worried about their child or have concerns about conditions such as cancer, you should seek help in the way you always would.

"Ignoring problems can have serious consequences – now or in the future."