We are asking people seeking medical attention to dial NHS 111, seek advice from a pharmacist or wait until Monday to make an appointment with their GP.
During this time of escalation, we expect waiting times in the hospital Emergency Department to be longer than normal and we apologise in advance for any delays that patients may have or may experience.
To deal with the high demand, the hospital has opened a number of additional beds across the hospital, with staff working many additional hours to staff these areas.
Three wards also remain closed due to Norovirus. We reiterate to visitors to the hospital that if they have experienced symptoms of Norovirus, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, to please not attend the hospital for 48 hours.
Along with other nearby hospitals, the ambulance service and community health services across the area, there has been an unprecedented number of people seeking healthcare services over the Christmas and New Year period.
We will always aim to provide the highest standard of care and we will strive to ensure that excellent patient care is maintained during this time of escalation.