Watford General Hospital is very busy this morning after an increase in the number of sick patients visiting the A&E department after the Bank Holiday weekend.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which are in charge of the Vicarage Road hospital, is warning residents that the A&E department is "very busy" after an increase in the number of sick patients needing treatment in hospital.

However, the A&E department is still open. 

Dr Mike Van Der Watt, medical director said: "Bank Holidays weekends, and the immediate few days afterwards, often prove very busy for accident and emergency departments across the country.

"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, for instance our urgent care centre (UCC) at Hemel Hempstead Hospital (open 24/7) and our minor injuries unit (MIU) at St Albans Hospital (open 9am to 8pm).  People can also call NHS111 for advice and support."