The Lister Hospital has stopped accepting adult cases of minor injuries and illnesses in its A&E department today because it has been overrun with emergency cases.

The temporary suspension was announced at 12 noon today and will mean that only those with serious and life threatening injuries will be accepted at the Stevenage hospital until the suspension is lifted.

Adults with minor injuries are expected to make their way to the new QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City.

Anyone with minor injuries under the age of 18 will still be treated at the Lister, but waiting times may be longer than usual.

A spokesman for the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs the Lister, said it is hoped the service will be back up and running by tomorrow.

The Trust has posted notices at the hospital stating: “If you have come here with an injury or illness that does not put your life or limbs at risk, we will not be able to treat you here today.

“We have had record numbers of very seriously ill patients brought to us today and – so that we can maintain their safety – we are asking that all adults with illnesses and injuries that do not put their lives or limbs at risk go to the Urgent Care Centre at the new QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, which is open 24 hours-a-day.

“We understand that this will be both frustrating and inconvenient, and we are sincerely sorry for this. We hope you understand that we have to prioritise those patients with life-threatening conditions and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.”

Anyone who is unsure whether they have a life threatening injury should call the NHS on 111 who can advise where best to go.

The new QEII Hospital is located at Howlands in Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4HQ.

• Have you been turned away from the Lister A&E today? Email us at martin.elvery@thecomet.net, or call us at 01438 866209.