Watford General Hospital chiefs have encouraged people with minor conditions to use services other than A&E after the department saw 449 patients this weekend.

Antony Tiernan, director of communications, said: "Like other A&E departments across the country, we have had a busy weekend, with our doctors, nurses and other staff seeing 449 patients over the two days - that’s one every six minutes.

"In addition, we have seen a rise in the number of sicker patients who need additional care and have been admitted to hospital.

"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, which is open 24/7, and our minor injuries unit (MIU) at St Albans Hospital, open from 9am to 8pm.

"People can also call NHS 111 for advice and support."