A SOMERSET hospital is currently not accepting any new patients after being overwhelmed by a high number of coronavirus cases.

Weston General Hospital imposed the ban - which includes the A&E department - at 8am today (Monday).

A statement from the trust that runs the hospital said the "precautionary measure" had been introduced to "maintain the safety of staff and patients".

It added that the step was "clinically-led" and that arrangements are in place for new patients to continue to have access to treatment and care in other appropriate healthcare settings in the area if needed.

Dr William Oldfield, medical director at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As with any hospital, the number of patients with COVID-19 will frequently change as people are admitted and discharged.

“We currently have a high number of patients with COVID-19 in Weston General Hospital.

"Whilst the vast majority will have come into the hospital with COVID-19, as an extra precaution we have taken the proactive step to temporarily stop accepting new patients to maintain patient and staff safety.

“This is a clinically-led decision and we are being supported by our system partners to ensure that new patients receive the care and treatment they need in the appropriate setting, and we are continuing to provide high quality care to existing patients who are being treated in the hospital.

“We have a robust coronavirus testing programme in place for patients and staff to identify cases quickly, with appropriate measures taken by clinical teams as required.

“We will keep the situation under constant review.”