A Dartford hospital under ‘severe strain’ has urged patients not to use the Accident and Emergency department unless they have a ‘genuine life-threatening emergency’.

Darent Valley Hospital trust issued a plea on social media after a huge rise in the numbers attending the A&E department, some with minor ailments such as a swollen finger and a cough.

They said the hospital was under ‘severe strain’ after hundreds more patients have been to A&E this winter, as hospitals across the country struggle with what has been described as a ‘crisis’.

Statistics released by the trust show that last winter about 8,500 patients sought emergency care compared to 10,764 between December 1 last year and January 1 this year.

That means that on average there were 336 patients a day this winter, compared to 266 in the same period the year before.

Patients have been asked to consider whether they need to visit the emergency department before attending the hospital.

A statement from Darent Valley Hospital on Monday said: “Our A&E department remains extremely busy, on Friday evening, in the space of one hour, 10 patients arrived in the department, seven of whom didn’t need the level of care available from an A&E.

“The complaints ranged from a toothache, a swollen finger, mild chest pain, a cough, a lingering pain suffered for months, a repeat prescription request.”

On January 7 they said “Our A&E department situation is not improving and we desperately need to make sure that only those with a genuine life-threatening emergency attend the department.”

Life-threatening emergencies were listed as:

• loss of consciousness

• acute confused state and fits that are not stopping

• persistent, severe chest pain

• breathing difficulties

• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

• severe allergic reactions

• severe burns or scalds

Minor injuries units and urgent care centres can treat:

• sprains and strains

• broken bones

• wound infections

• minor burns and scalds

• minor head injuries

• insect and animal bites

• minor eye injuries

• injuries to the back, shoulder and chest.

Have you been affected by the 'NHS crisis' this winter? Email jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.