People have been asked to consider alternative care options such as pharmacies, the NHS 111 service, the Andover Minor Injuries Unit or the Salisbury walk-in centre, which is open from 6.30pm until 10pm on New Year’s Eve.
In a Facebook post, Salisbury hospital said: “Our hospital is extremely busy.
“We are asking only patients with emergency or life-threatening conditions to attend the accident and emergency department.
“Please consider alternative care where appropriate.
“Please be aware that extended waiting times are likely while we prioritise the most seriously unwell patients.
“Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
“For further advice on staying well and choosing the right service this winter, visit our stay well this winter webpage.”
Across the country, millions of patients are seeking help in A&E departments for minor conditions, figures obtained by the Press Association show.
Analysis revealed that A&E medics dealt with almost 1.9 million cases of people seeking help for a headache in five years.
Almost 1.4 million A&E attendances in England from 2020/21 to 2024/25 were due to a cough, and 1.2 million were for a sore throat.
An NHS England spokesperson said: “The last place a patient wants to be when they have a minor illness is a busy A&E – that’s why this winter, NHS staff are working hard to expand the number of routes into the health service so patients can get fast and convenient care closer to them.
“We have launched a campaign urging people to use the range of alternatives to A&E to get them the help they need in the most appropriate place – whether the services are online, over the phone or in-person.
“As always, the public should use A&E and 999 for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries – and for non-life-threatening care, call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place – whether that be your local pharmacy, a walk-in centre or clinical self-help advice.”