BOSSES at a Dorset hospital have begged people to only go to its emergency department for 'serious of life-threatening situations' for fear it will be overwhelmed.

Dorset County Hospital issued the plea via Twitter yesterday, as the county prepared for an influx of visitors coming down to enjoy the last of the summer holidays and attend the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Staff at the hospital warned the emergency department was 'incredibly busy' and urged people to only visit it they were experiencing a 'serious of 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.

On Twitter, a spokesman wrote: "Our emergency department (ED) and hospital remains incredibly busy this weekend. Please only attend our ED for serious or life-threatening situations.

"If you are unsure about where to go for your medical needs call 111 first or visit www.111.nhs.uk"