More patients visited A&E at Southern Health last month, with demand rising well above the levels seen over the same period last year.

NHS England figures show 1,974 patients visited A&E at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust in May.

That was a rise of 16% on the 1,705 visits recorded during April, and more than double the 772 patients seen in May 2021.

The figures show attendances were well above the levels seen at the start of the coronavirus pandemic – in May 2020, there were 494 visits to A&E at sites run by Southern Health.

All of last month's attendances were via minor A&E departments – those which treat minor injuries and illnesses such as fractures, cuts and bruises​​.

Across England, A&E departments received 2.2 million visits last month.

That was an increase of 8% compared to April, and 5% more than the 2.1 million seen during May 2021.