PACKED Poole Hospital is urging people only to use its A&E department if absolutely necessary over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The hospital admits it is already heaving after an extremely busy Easter period.

There have been reports of full wards and a shortage of beds.

Another substantial influx of tourists is expected into the area for the second successive weekend.

The hospital is reminding people its A&E department should be used only for “genuine emergencies”.

A spokeswoman for the Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “A large number of patients have been admitted via the emergency department over the last few days, as a result of which we are currently very busy.

“The hospital is well prepared to deal with busy periods such as this.

“However, we would like to remind people to only visit the emergency department in the case of genuine emergencies.”

Around 85 per cent of the hospital’s admissions come through A&E and the department is the main trauma centre for East Dorset. It serves more than quarter of a million residents in Poole and the surrounding area.

People are being directed to use local services as an alternative for medical assistance over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Dorset Out of Hours Medical Service will be available on 0845 600 10 13 for urgent care needs.

The Boscombe and Springbourne Health Centre, on Shelley Road, will be open 8am to 8pm for urgent treatment and can be contacted on 01202 727969.

People are also advised to visit their nearest pharmacy or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or via nhsdirect.uk.

Dr Ros Maycock, a GP in Poole said: “Your local pharmacy, GP practice or walk-in centre can help with non-life threatening conditions if you need help during the bank holidays.”

More information on Bank Holiday services can be found at bournemouthandpoole.nhs.uk