PATIENTS have been reminded to only attend A&E if they have a serious illness as Broomfield Hospital is experiencing ‘very high demand’.

The Mid Essex Hospitals Trust has issued a statement for the third day running as a result of the pressure on services over the last week.

It said: “Our Emergency Department is extremely busy with a very high demand for its services again today. Our teams are working very hard looking after our patients.

"Please remember that A&E is for serious or life-threatening illnesses. For other health advice, please call 111."