People are being urged to avoid visiting the accident and emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital unless their condition is 'life-threatening'.

In a statement released by chief operations officer Karen Croker, the hospital is dealing with significant numbers of very frail and seriously ill patients.

Mrs Croker said: 'We are working closely with our partners in the health and social care system to ensure we proactively manage this spike in demand for our services.

'Patient safety remains our top priority and our staff are working tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the hospital.'

'While we would never deter anyone from seeking medical treatment, we would ask the public to help our staff during this busy period by first contacting NHS 111 for advice before setting out for A&E.'

Advice can also be found here or here.

Mrs Croker also advised people who have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours to refrain from visiting the hospital unless it is a medical emergency to help prevent Norovirus entering the hospital.

A hospital spokesman said 'life-threating' is anyone with an injury or condition which would require emergency treatment or a 999 call.

She added: 'We would ask anyone with a condition or illness which could be best treated at a pharmacist, GP or walk-in clinic to attend there.

'Yesterday a total of 173 people attended A&E for treatment and around 60 of those were admitted.'