FOR the second time in 10 days, bosses at a Dorset hospital have begged people to only go to its emergency department for 'serious of life-threatening situations' for fear it will be overwhelmed.

Dorset County Hospital issued the first plea via Twitter on September 4, as the county prepared for an influx of visitors coming down to enjoy the last of the summer holidays and attend the Bournemouth Air Festival.

A second plea was issued this morning, as bosses again warn that the hospital 'continues to be extremely busy' and urge people only to use the emergency department (ED) if they are experiencing a 'serious of life-threatening situation'.

Instead, they advise that people should call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk to find out where they should go to seek medical assistance to avoid people turning up at the emergency department unnecessarily.

On Twitter, a spokesman wrote: "Our hospital continues to be extremely busy. Please only use our emergency department for serious or life-threatening situations.

"If you’re unwell and are unsure about where to go, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111."