Patients at Southampton’s A&E department face a seven hour wait as the hospital is under “extreme pressure”.

Those with life or limb threatening conditions are being prioritised at Southampton General Hospital today.

University Hospital Southampton (UHS) Trust is asking anybody with non-emergency minor injuries or illnesses to visit the Royal South Hants Hospital or Lymington urgent treatment centres instead.

The trust is also asking those with non-emergency issues to contact 111 over the phone or online.

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Posting on social media, a spokesperson for UHS said: “If your condition is not an emergency and you come to our ED, you should expect to wait at least seven hours to be seen.

“Royal South Hants Hospital accepts walk-in patients until 9:30pm every day. They provide faster care for people with more minor injuries and illnesses.

“There is also the Lymington UTC based within Lymington New Forest Hospital.

“We appreciate your support.”