PEOPLE are continuing to be encouraged to only attend the emergency department at Dorset County Hospital for 'serious or life-threatening injuries' as staffing levels are hit by the rise in Covid-19 cases.

The rise in coronavirus cases is said to be ‘significantly impacting’ staff at DCH, with the site ‘extremely busy’.

Those who visit the emergency department are being signposted elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: “The rising number of Covid-19 cases is significantly impacting our staffing levels.

“Please help us help you and only attend our emergency department for serious or life-threatening injuries and conditions.

“If you attend our emergency department with minor injuries you will be signposted elsewhere.”

Further advice can be found via https://111.nhs.uk/