Health chiefs at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford have reiterated the need for people without life threatening illnesses or injuries to avoid using its A&E department this winter.
Nurses treat around 80 people a day who do not need to be there, including patients who want assistance with common colds and hangovers.
The warning comes a fortnight after health bosses urged people to stay away from A&E unless absolutely necessary, as it could not cope with demand.
Kevin Kiff, clinical director of critical and emergency care at Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We've had up to 300 emergencies through the doors of A&E in a single day this holiday period – making our emergency service one of the busiest in Essex."
"However, not everyone who comes into A&E needs to be there. The message I want to share is please use A&E wisely."
Residents are asked to explore other healthcare or self-care options to allow trained A&E doctors and nurses to treat the truly sick patients as well as the elderly and frail, especially as the cold weather intensifies.
One alternative is to phone 111, a free NHS service open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is available for people who require medical help but not emergency support.
