The London Ambulance Service has set up a booze hospital for festive revellers a week earlier than last year.
The emergency facility is at Liverpool Street Station to treat patients who are drunk or have minor injuries.
Duty Station Officer for City and Hackney Nick Lesslar said: "Every minute that we spend mopping up vomit, is a minute that could have been spent helping a patient who is seriously ill or injured".
More than a hundred ambulance staff will be on duty throughout the festive period.
They will pick people up across the capital, bringing them back to the field hospital.
The temporary marquee will be open from 3pm until 3am Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until Christmas.
Two ambulances with paramedics will be on hand to bring patients back for treatment.
Staff will then decide if they are sent home or to hospital for further treatment.
On average 75% of patients treated in the temporary hospital do not need to visit an A&E department.
The festive season can be a major headache for partygoers - as well as paramedics.
Advice is being given to drinkers:
:: Eat before drinking to help soak up alcohol;
:: Have soft drinks to keep hydrated;
:: Try to keep track of what you have drunk;
:: Plan your journey home before you go out;
:: Keep an eye on your friends and make sure no one gets left behind.
The emergency facility is at Liverpool Street Station to treat patients who are drunk or have minor injuries.
Duty Station Officer for City and Hackney Nick Lesslar said: "Every minute that we spend mopping up vomit, is a minute that could have been spent helping a patient who is seriously ill or injured".
More than a hundred ambulance staff will be on duty throughout the festive period.
They will pick people up across the capital, bringing them back to the field hospital.
The temporary marquee will be open from 3pm until 3am Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until Christmas.
Two ambulances with paramedics will be on hand to bring patients back for treatment.
Staff will then decide if they are sent home or to hospital for further treatment.
On average 75% of patients treated in the temporary hospital do not need to visit an A&E department.
The festive season can be a major headache for partygoers - as well as paramedics.
Advice is being given to drinkers:
:: Eat before drinking to help soak up alcohol;
:: Have soft drinks to keep hydrated;
:: Try to keep track of what you have drunk;
:: Plan your journey home before you go out;
:: Keep an eye on your friends and make sure no one gets left behind.
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