People refusing treatment over coronavirus fears to be contacted by hospitals

Sandwell's NHS trust has teamed up with the West Midlands Ambulance Service in an effort to ensure those at risk get the treatment they need.

A&E attendances have plummeted during the coronavirus outbreak as people stay away from hospitals either through fear of catching Covid-19 or because they view themselves as a burden on the NHS during the current crisis.

Health bosses have sought to reassure people that their hospitals are safe to come to and have the capacity to treat them.

Numbers in A&E have fallen by around 40 per cent at some Black Country hospitals, sparking alarm among medical experts.

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There are fears more people could die from non-coronavirus conditions as they are refusing treatment.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs Sandwell General and Birmingham City hospitals, will be provided with a list of people who have refused to go to hospital.

Medics will then be able to contact them to ask why they would not come and try to persuade them that it is in their best interests.

Trust chief executive Toby Lewis said those staying away because of fears over Covid-19 were "making the wrong choice".

He said: "They are effectively self-diagnosing their symptoms and making the decision they don't need to be cared for. I know people are health aware but none of us are doctors.

"There are people who are being personally cautious and don't want to trouble us. Our message to them is we're open and able to help.

"The people making choices about coronavirus risk, we say they are making the wrong choices and we are concerned about their welfare."

Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley has also appealed to people to come if they need to after A&E attendance dropped off by 45 per cent in the month to the start of April.