People are being urged not to visit A&E with minor complaints over the Bank Holiday weekend, as they may face an “extremely long wait”.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has warned Watford General Hospital, in Vicarage Road, is currently under “particularly heavy pressure” and it is likely there will be long waiting times for those who visit hospital with non-urgent treatment.

Dr Vipul Parbat, the urgent care lead GP for Herts CCG said: "At a time when A&E is under extreme pressure it’s vital that everyone understands the urgency of the situation and what you can do to look after yourself and your loved ones and protect our essential hospital services.

“If you use emergency services incorrectly, including calling 999 for an ambulance, you may be endangering the life of another person in desperate need of emergency care and you won’t get the best treatment for your illness.

"People who do come to A&E with a minor condition or illness are likely to face extremely long waits or may be sent away to visit a GP or pharmacist."

The CCG advised people should still call 999 or go to A&E in genuine emergencies such as choking, chest pains, black-outs or prolonged blood loss.

For minor complaints, people can call 111 or visit the walk-in services at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, in Hillfield Road, Hemel Hempstead or the minor injuries unit at St Albans City Hospital, in Waverley Road, St Albans.