YORKSHIRE'S Accident and Emergency departments could be inundated over the Easter weekend by patients who don't need to be there, a survey has revealed.

More than half of people surveyed in the region thought they should go to A&E if their GP surgery is closed, for example over a Bank Holiday weekend.

To make matters worse, more than a fifth of Yorkshire respondents thought that an A&E doctor was more expert at dealing with their medical problems than a GP.

In York, the NHS Trust said the vast majority of people used their common sense in deciding whether to go to A&E, but reminded everyone of the alternatives available.

Acute services director Sue Acott said: "The casualty department at York District Hospital is there for immediate emergencies.

"We have very dedicated hard working staff who do their best for everyone who attends A&E. It has to be said the vast majority of patients do use their common sense in deciding whether to come to us.

"Over the Easter holidays, where it isn't necessary to go to A&E, people may call NHS Direct for advice or to get details of how to contact a GP in an emergency.

"People can also visit the Walk- In Centre in Monkgate, which is open from 7am until 10pm every day of the year."

She added that once in A&E, all patients were seen and treated according to their clinical need.

The survey was carried out by NOP on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Doctor Patient Partnership and the Consumer Health Information Centre.

In response to the findings, the three organisations are launching a campaign to help people use "the right service at the right time".

Posters will go up on GP's surgery and pharmacy walls, highlighting the different options available for patients, and highlighting the fact that A&E is for emergencies only.

"GP's surgeries are closed for a long stretch over a Bank Holiday, which can be inconvenient for patients," said Dr Catti Moss, from the Consumer Health Information Centre.

"However, GPs are always available to see those patients with an urgent medical need that cannot wait until the surgery is open again."

Dr Moss said that as well as walk-in centres and NHS Direct, which can be called on 0845 4647, many pharmacists were available at times over the Easter weekend who were experts in medicines and could give advice on minor illnesses.

Updated: 11:40 Friday, March 29, 2002