United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is on 'red alert' at three hospitals including Grantham because of severe pressure on services.

Emergency care manager George Briggs said no single incident has caused the pressure.

He said: "With the continued support of our staff, we have opened additional beds and taken other actions to manage the situation.

"Additional ward rounds ensure people who are well enough to go home are discharged in a timely fashion which then frees up beds for other patients. We are working with Lincolnshire PCT and social services to help move patients with less severe medical conditions.

"We are asking members of the public to help us during this busy time and only use A&E if absolutely necessary and to seek advice from NHS Direct and their GP."

The trust is experiencing a 20 per cent increase on the usual level of emergency admissions.

To cope with demand, the hospitals have opened an additional 80 beds and are being supported by Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust to ensure that beds are freed up when possible.

Lincoln County Hospital, Grantham and District Hospital and Boston's Pilgrim Hospital are all on red alert – the second highest level of local alert.

The hospitals have also been liaising with Lincolnshire GPs to ensure that patients not requiring hospital care are not referred to hospital during this busy time.

Have you been affected by the bed crisis? Click here to tell us about it or contact our newsdesk on 01476 562291.