THE ACCIDENT and Emergency Department at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Harlow experienced its busiest ever day according to its boss.

At lunchtime on Monday, PAH bosses put out a message on social media.

They said: Our Emergency Department is currently very busy. Please ensure that you use the appropriate service to manage any health concerns.

“Remember the Emergency Department and ambulances are for emergencies only.”

By the end of the day, 385 people had attended A and E, an average of sixteen people an hour.

Chief executive, Lance McCarthy, went onto social media to thank all staff on what must have been a very trying day.

It was also apparent on social media that residents are continuing to be frustrated at their local GP surgery especially at the new state of the art, £7.5 million, Lister House in Staple Tye which caters for 20,000 Harlow residents, a fifth of the town’s population.