People are being urged to only visit Dorset County Hospital if they have 'serious or life-threatening' conditions as it warns it is 'extremely busy'.

The Dorchester hospital, in Williams Avenue, tweeted on social media, urging visitors not to attend with minor injuries, informing them they will be signposted elsewhere if their condition is not serious.

It added that people should phone the non-emergency number 111 if they have a minor condition. 

"Our hospital is currently very busy. Please only visit our Emergency Department (ED) for serious or life-threatening conditions," it wrote on social media today.

"Please do not come to ED with minor injuries, as you will be signposted elsewhere. The 111 service will make sure you get the right help. 

"Coming to the emergency department when you don't need to takes staff away from people who do."