Adult patients with minor injuries will only be seen during the night and early hours at Watford General Hospital so staff can focus on treating coronavirus patients.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said that from today (Friday), the 'minors' department in A&E which sees adult patients with minor injuries will no longer be open between 8am and 8pm "until further notice".

Instead, patients with minor injuries should now attend the Urgent Treatment Centre in Hemel Hempstead, which is open between 8am and 10pm.

The trust confirmed to the Watford Observer that the decision has been made so staff can focus on treating Covid-19 patients.

However, patients with minor illnesses will continue to be seen at all hours, the trust said.

The trust wrote on its website: "Our 'minors' department in A&E which sees adult patients with minor injuries will no longer be open between 8am and 8pm. This change will come into effect from Friday 10 April at 8am until further notice.​ Patients with minor injuries should attend the Urgent Treatment Centre in Hemel Hempstead which is open 8am to 10pm.

"We will continue to accept patients with minor illnesses at all hours. Children's emergency department remains open at all times.

"Out of hours (8pm to 8am) we will continue to see all patients with minor injuries and minor illnesses."

Last night the trust also put out a message informing people of the changes on its social media channels.

Earlier this month the trust also announced the temporary closure of St Albans City Hospital's minor injuries unit because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to close the unit was made as staff "could be better directed" to care for patients at Watford General Hospital.

Last month extreme measures at Watford General Hospital like banning visitors were introduced because of coronavirus.

Only paediatric patients or someone giving birth are allowed a visitor, unless it is in exceptional circumstances.

The no visitor rule is also in place at St Albans and Hemel Hempstead hospitals.

All non-urgent appointments have also been postponed by the West Herts NHS trust too due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The hospital trust says that around 200 beds are being used currently in Watford for suspected or confirmed Covid-19 patients.

Last weekend the hospital had to declare a critical incident after its oxygen system began reaching maximum capacity.

Oxygen usage has doubled in recent weeks due to the number of coronavirus patients being treated at the hospital.

When Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident last Saturday morning, A&E was shut until the incident was stood down at 10.30pm that night.

The trust has opened Visitor Helpline on 01923 436799. Relatives can call this number for answers to general queries or for signposting to other services. Lines are open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, and will be manned by administrative staff.