The local NHS has asked people to only attend Watford General A&E for “very serious” injuries or illnesses as it works “at full stretch”.

NHS staff have appealed for the public’s support during the “double impact” of Easter bank holidays and four days of strike action.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it expects particularly significant disruption during this strike period because it comes straight after the bank holiday, “when health services will be working at full stretch to meet demand”.

The strike will take place from 7am on April 11 to 7am on April 15.

People were reminded to only attend Watford General Hospital if they need treatment for a "very serious" illness or injury and asked to “think carefully” before using the NHS over the period.

The trust said: “Even with the careful planning that is taking place, both routine and emergency care are likely to be significantly affected.

“In order to prioritise life-saving emergency treatment for people who need it, hospitals will postpone some non-urgent operations, treatments and routine appointments.”

If patients do have a pre-arranged appointment they are asked to attend as scheduled unless told otherwise.

“This is really unfortunate for those whose treatment is delayed, but with the majority of doctors not working, remaining staff must cover the essential care patients need,” the trust added.