GREAT Western Hospital's management team told patients that its emergency department and urgent care centre are extremely busy at the moment. 

Some patients have had to wait longer than expected to be seen by a doctor because of the very high volume of people attending the hospital.

A GWH spokesman said: "Our teams strive to see all patients as quickly as possible, however those arriving with less serious injuries and illness may face a particularly long wait for treatment.

"Local people are reminded to use the NHS 111 service if you have an urgent medical problem and not sure what to do.

"The service is free to call and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will speak to a fully trained adviser on the phone who will advise which local service can help you and get you a face-to-face appointment if you need one.

"Please seek help as soon as you start to feel unwell, to prevent your condition from becoming more serious."

For more information, visit gwh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/healthcare-without-an-appointment/