Patients have been warned to use hospital services wisely as facilities are ‘very busy’.

The NHS hospital trust for West Herts took to social media today to warn hospital visitors only to attend the accident and emergency department at Watford Hospital if they were seriously ill.

The West Herts Hospital twitter account said earlier today: “Our A&E department at Watford Hospital is very busy this morning. Please remember A&E is for serious injuries and illnesses only.”

Hospitals often see a spike in the amount of patients following a bank holiday weekend, with this August being no different.

Medical director Dr Mike Van Der Watt said: “Whilst the level of attendances at our A&E hasn’t increased significantly, we have seen a rise in the number of sicker patients who need additional care and who need to be admitted.

“We would like to remind local people that our A&E department is for people with serious injuries and illnesses, and to encourage those with minor conditions to use other services.”

People can seek medical care for non-urgent conditions by contacting NHS Direct on 111.