Ambulances turned away from Rotherham Hospital due to “demand on services”

A spokesperson for The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that ambulances had been diverted.

The spokesperson said: “Rotherham Hospital did not close to new patients over the weekend. We did, however, put into place a short-term ambulance divert to a nearby hospital.

“This is in line with our normal operations to help us manage the demand on our services at any one time. Anyone being brought in by ambulance in a critical condition would still have come to the hospital and walk-ins remained open.

“We would like to remind everyone to contact 111 first if you think you need medical attention and help us to keep the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre for emergencies only.”