An ‘incredibly busy’ Dorset hospital under ‘extreme pressure’ HAS urged people to only go to its emergency department for 'serious of life-threatening situations'.

Dorset County Hospital issued the plea via Twitter today (Tuesday, November 30), as the county sees increasing levels of Covid-19 cases.

Staff at the hospital warned the emergency department was 'incredibly busy' and urged people to only visit if they were experiencing a 'serious or life-threatening situation'.

Instead, they advised that people should call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk to find out where they should go to seek medical assistance to avoid people turning up at the emergency department unnecessarily.

A spokesman for Dorset County Hospital said: “We are currently under extreme pressure. Help us look after the people who need us most by making use of other local health services when you can.

“If you attend our Emergency Department for anything which is not serious or life threatening you are likely to face a long wait.

“Please consider using local pharmacies, GP services, Minor Injuries Units or Weymouth's Urgent Treatment Centre.

“Find MIU and UTC details here: bit.ly/3FTUUh4 If you're not sure where to go call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk”