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South London hospitals were hit by their busiest Monday of the year this week with more than 1,000 people pouring through their doors. It has led to warnings that they are “busier than ever” and asking patients to think carefully about going to the hospital.

High demand at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier’s hospitals is equivalent to around one person every 90 seconds being admitted. It arrived at the hospitals on Monday (March 13), the same day the junior doctors began the first day of the 72-hour strike. .

For Epsom and St Helier, which are run by the same hospital trust, it is only the second time in 2023 that more than 500 people have gone to the emergency department on a Monday. While St George’s Hospital saw 475 through the emergency department doors.

READ MORE: Investigation reveals the 3 London hospitals where A&E departments are under the most pressure

Dr Richard Jennings, Group Medical Director of St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “Our hospitals are busier than ever, and Monday was a challenging day for all. We have worked very hard to prepare for these strikes, but it is inevitable that our hospital services will be affected.

“We are always here for those who need care, and if it is an emergency or life-threatening, or if you have an appointment, you should continue to show up. But to everyone else, I make this plea: Please use our services wisely and help us ensure we can provide care to those who need it most.”

Hospitals advise anyone who needs care but it is not an emergency to visit NHS 111 online or their local pharmacy as their first port of call.