Kingston Hospital has urged people to steer clear unless it is a real emergency, saying its services are currently “exceptionally busy” following the festive period.

The NHS hospital has issued a list of nearby facilities, including GPs and pharmacists, for residents to visit so that staff can cope with the post-Christmas demand typically seen across the country.

A spokeswoman said: “The hospital is currently exceptionally busy and we are working around the clock to make sure all our patients get the best care in the most appropriate place.

“We are working with our community partners to help ensure that the right support is in place for patients when they leave the Hospital, so that we are able to discharge patients and have beds available for the most acutely ill patients who need them.”

Other services residents are being encouraged to use are:

NHS 111 - The free NHS 111 phone service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a one-stop number for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms.

Health Help Now App - Not sure where to go to get the help you need? Health Help Now will help you find the right treatment. http://www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net/

Pharmacies - Pharmacies can help with several common conditions including minor injuries: Coughs, colds and fevers, diarrhoea and vomiting, hay fever and other allergies, skin rashes and cuts.

Ace Pharmacy, KT9 1DR. T: 0208 397 4564

Boots Pharmacy, KT11 1RP. T: 0208 541 1644

Boots Pharmacy, KT2 6QL. T: 0208 547 1191

Boots Pharmacy, KT6 7DW. T: 0208 399 9836

Boots Pharmacy, KT6 4JZ. T: 0208 399 2715

Boots Pharmacy, KT3 4EU. T: 0208 942 0935

Lloyds Pharmacy, KT6 7DJ. T: 0208 390 6797

Sainsbury’s Pharmacy, KT2 5EN. T: 0208 546 4605

Boots Pharmacy, TW11 8QZ. T:0208 977 2699

Boots Pharmacy, TW9 1HF. T: 0208 940 1691

Boots Pharmacy, TW1 3SD. T: 0208 892 3079

Boots Pharmacy, TW9 4AD. T: 0208 876 6192

Boots Pharmacy, SW14 7NX. T: 0208 876 1227

Lloyds Pharmacy, TW11 0JL. T: 0208 977 0630

Maple Leaf Pharmacy, TW2 5AB. T: 0208 894 5034

Sainsbury’s Pharmacy, TW9 4LT. T: 0208 878 6374

NHS Walk in Centres and Minor Injuries Units (MIU) - With no appointment necessary, your local NHS walk in centre and MIU is managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains and suspected breaks.

Teddington Memorial Hospital Walk in Centre, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0JL. T: 020 8714 4004

Queen Mary’s Hospital Minor Injuries Unit (MIR), Roehampton Lane, London, SW15 5PN. T: 020 8487 6999

The Wilson Health Centre, Cranmer Road, Mitcham, CR4 4TP. T: 020 3458 5100

The Junction Walk in Centre, Arches 5-8, Clapham Junction Station, 5-8 Grant Rd, SW11 2NU. T: 0333 200 1718

Extended GP

Kingston: Surbiton Health Centre, Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6EZ. T: 020 3841 9942

Richmond: Extended GP access is currently operating from 08.00 to 20.00 every day including weekends. Patients should continue to contact their GP practice in the usual way to get an appointment.  

All children aged 5 and under can get a same day consultation with a GP, Monday to Friday 08.00 to 20.00. Patients should continue to contact their GP practice in the usual way to get a GP consultation.

Epsom and Ewell, East Elmbridge, Dorking, Banstead: Some additional appointments in practices are operating across the Surrey Downs area (which includes Epsom and Ewell, East Elmbridge, Dorking, Banstead and surrounding areas). This includes some additional children's clinics for patients registered with a GP in East Elmbridge. Please contact your local GP practice for details.