THE health service is warning people to stay away from A&E if they suffer an accident on the ice.

Redbridge PCT has said its accident and emergency departments have been swamped by patients coming in with minor injuries.

It is now advising people to visit local nurses, pharmacies, minor injuries units, walk-in centres and urgent care centres, instead of attending hospital.

The urgent care centre at King George Hospital in Goodmayes is equipped to handle many patients who mistakenly attend A&E.

There are also two injury units at Barking and Harold Wood hospitals, which focus on cuts, grazes, sprains, splinters and minor eye problems.