DORSET County Hospital has urged patients not to visit if they have minor injuries or illnesses.
The emergency department at the hospital is reportedly 'very busy' on the same day as ambulance and nurse strikes in Dorset.
Despite the strikes, the hospital did claim that it would be continuing to run as many of its services as possible, and told patients to attend planned appointments.
Our Emergency Department is currently very busy. Please help us care for the people who need us most by using alternative local services for anything not serious or life-threatening #HelpUsHelpYou pic.twitter.com/K0yLsqu9yd
— Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (@DCHFT) February 6, 2023
A statement from the hospital said: "Our emergency department is very busy. Please do not visit with minor injuries or illnesses, as you will face a long wait and be signposted elsewhere.
"Use a different service, if your condition is not serious or life-threatening. You can use the 111 service, pharmacies, Minor Injuries Units or your local GP service. They will make sure you get the right help.
"If you have a family member waiting to be discharged from the hospital or into alternative care, please respond quickly to our calls."
For a life-threatening emergency, you should still call 999.
If you need medical help, but it's not an emergency, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for medical advice.
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