Epsom and St Helier hospitals are advising DIY devotees on how to avoid becoming an ‘A&Easter’.

In the past few years staff have seen a spike in A&E attendances on the Tuesday following the Easter weekend, with many people injuring themselves but waiting until after the bank holiday to visit A&E.

Last year 414 people came to the hospitals’ A&E departments on Tuesday April 2, compared to an average of 384 on the Tuesdays two weeks either side of the national holiday - an increase of 8 per cent.

There was also a slight increase in the Friday to Monday A&E attendances last year, compared to the average of this five-day period over the two weeks either side.

Dr Ruth Charlton, joint medical director and deputy chief executive, said: "We always ensure we have additional staff on during the holidays, but our advice is always to take simple, preventative steps to avoid an accident in the first place. 

"DIY tasks, gardening projects and repair jobs all pose a risk of injury.  Therefore, it’s always best to use protective gear, take your time and give the task in hand your full concentration."

If you are feeling ill or have suffered an injury that does not require urgent attention call NHS 111 free of charge.