A BROKEN fingernail, a blocked nose and an in-grown toenail – these are among the medical ‘emergencies’ overstretched A&E medics have been asked to treat.

And paramedics report they have also been called out to help someone with a ring stuck on their finger, a contact lens stuck in their eye and toothache, all in the past couple of weeks.

Doctors from Trafford General’s emergency department are appealing to people with less serious illnesses to visit their GP or a walk-in-centre instead.

The team, which treats 40,000 patients a year, says dealing with non-urgent problems delays care for genuine emergencies.

Dr Paul Wallman, consultant in emergency medicine at Trafford General said: “A&E is there to provide urgent and emergency care.

“Although we never turn anyone away, we need to focus on those patients who really do need emergency care by a doctor or nurse.

“When someone comes in with a broken fingernail, it takes time away from patients who really do have pressing health needs.

“Similarly, some patients come to A&E because they have had a sore knee for six months or have an in-growing toenail.

“Although they need assessment for these complaints, they really should see their GP about health issues that have gone on for some time and haven’t suddenly become worse.”

Ged Blezard from the Greater Manchester area of the North West Ambulance Service said: “When people demand an ambulance for minor ailments, it undoubtedly puts additional pressure on the service.

“Many members of the public are under the misunderstanding that if they arrive at casualty in an ambulance they’ll jump the queue, when in reality, they will be triaged like any other patient who has made their own way there and when they are treated will depend on the seriousness of their injury or ailment.

“The public must understand that while we’re dealing with calls of this nature, we’re not available to get to the life-threatening emergencies, putting the lives of other people at risk.”

For more information on services near you and advice about where to go for help see nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on: 0845 46 47.