Critical incident declared at Southmead Hospital
The trust says there are extremely high patient numbers across all areas of the hospital
A critical incident has been declared at a hospital in Bristol due to extremely high patient numbers.
North Bristol NHS Trust are asking people not to attend Southmead Hospital emergency department unless you require critical lifesaving care.
The trust says those who attend the department may wait more than 8 hours to be seen or be sent to a more appropriate service elsewhere.
The trust are also urging people to help loved ones in hospital, who are ready to go home, discharge as soon as possible.
It says high patient numbers were affecting all areas of the hospital.
A spokesperson for the trust said: "Please consider using alternative services, such as your local pharmacy or NHS 111.
"If your loved one is in hospital and ready to go home, please help them by supporting their discharge home as soon as possible.
"We are incredibly grateful to our staff for their continued efforts in caring for patients during this particularly busy time."