SCOTLAND'S busiest A&E unit could be stretched to breaking point when two city casualty units close, union leaders have warned.

Medics at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary have been warned the hospital could see an extra 10,000 patients a year when A&E services close at the Western and Victoria Infirmary and the new hospital opens in the south.

The health board has increased the bed count by100 but union leaders have repeatedly called for this to be increased further as well as staffing levels.

The GRI admitted around 86,000 patients to A&E in 2012/2013 - around 235 a day.

The number of patients soared because Stobhill Hospital, changed to a minor injury unit in 2011, losing its A&E unit.

Union leaders say the health board's bed model is based on average stays of no longer than three days, an average occupancy level of 85% and increased care in the community.

However, the plan relies on the timely release of patients. Across Scotland, 1,216 beds were blocked every day during winter, more than the number of adult beds at the new South Glasgow University Hospital.

One nurse at the GRI said: "We know a lot of patients from the south east who would have gone to the Victoria are likely to go to the Royal.

"We've been told to expect around 10,000 extra patients but they have only given us an extra 100 beds.

"I can't see how it's going to work."

Matt McLaughlin, Unison's Regional Organiser said, "Unison is concerned that the already under pressure Glasgow Royal accident and emergency could be stretched to breaking point if patient attendance increases significantly as a result of the closure of the Western and Victoria Infirmary A&E.

"Calls for these sites to remain open are ill informed and could actually be dangerous if pushed through because they would not have the back up support of acute specialist beds or local trauma theatres.

"The grand plan, started by Labour and pushed on by the SNP is to keep people out of hospital.

"If politicians want to make a difference they need to not only push that plan forward, but ensure at it is fully resourced, fully staffed and is able to meet the demands they are placing on it, otherwise the current crisis will only get worse."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde has been working for some time on robust plans to ensure a smooth transition of services over to South Glasgow Hospital.

"These plans include assurances that both the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and South Glasgow Hospital will be properly resourced to operate effectively as the city's two main emergency receiving hospitals."