Doncaster Royal Infirmary has warned people to stay away from its Accident and Emergency department today on what it expects to be one of the busiest days of the year.

Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, which runs DRI as well as Mexborough’s Montagu Hospital and Bassetlaw Hospital at Worksop, has urged people to attend only if they need urgent care.

A spokesman said: “Today is traditionally a very busy day for our Emergency Departments.

"Please only attend if you need urgent and emergency care - for everything else contact your local practice, pharmacy, the Same Day Health Centre, Minor Injuries Unit or NHS 111.”

Hospital bosses have urged people only to attend DRI for urgent treatment.

The alert comes amid growing fears that the NHS is struggling to cope nationally with spiralling coronavirus infection rates across the country.

Health chiefs have urged people to follow the rules following the number of cases across the UK topping more than 50,000 cases for the last few days.

Doncaster hospital in 'stay away' warning ahead of 'very busy day'