BASILDON Hospital is warning its A&E department is "exceptionally busy" and has declared a black alert.
High demand means there is a lack of available beds at the hospital.
The hospital, in Nethermayne, has been on black alert since Sunday afternoon.
A hospital spokesman said: "Black alert is our hospital’s most severe internal status level and means we have more demand coming through A&E than beds available in the system.
"We are well versed in responding to peaks in demand and our dedicated staff rise to the challenge, sometimes working extra hours, sometimes taking on different roles.
"All patients arriving at our A&E department are seen in order of clinical need. However when the department is exceptionally busy it means that patients with non-urgent conditions may have to wait longer for treatment.
"We publish A&E waiting times on our website showing real-time information about waiting times. This gives patients the opportunity to make an informed decision about where to access the care they need, such as a pharmacist, GP or minor injuries unit."
As of 4.20pm today, the average wait in A&E was four-and-a-half hours.
The hospital spokesman added: "Along with local clinical commission groups, we regularly remind people about other NHS services that may be more suitable for their needs.
"The Met Office has declared a level 2 heat alert today. For some people, such as older people and those with underlying health conditions, high temperatures can bring health risks. There is lots of information on how to cope in the heat on the NHS Choices website, search Heatwave."
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