GREAT Western Hospital's critical incident is still ongoing as staff try to treat a large number of coronavirus patients.

The hospital first declared the incident yesterday and is still treating 159 patients with Covid-19.

A spokesman said "lots of good work" had been done to create available beds for patients with and without the disease but there is still work to be done before the pressure eases.

The spokesman added: "Although we are in a slightly better position now, extra support is still needed to ensure every patient can receive the care they need.

"Our thanks go to our staff who continue to work extremely hard.

"We have been working closely with partner organisations to create additional beds and to discharge patients as quickly as possible.

"If you have a loved one who is ready to go home from hospital, please collect them as quickly as you can.

"Internally, we have also converted outpatient areas into extra beds and have expanded ICU into Theatre space.

"We would encourage the people of Swindon and Wiltshire to continue to follow the guidance around hand hygiene, mask wearing and socially distancing, and to only come to hospital if they really need to.

"If you’re not sure what to do, call NHS 111 who can direct you to the most appropriate healthcare provider for your needs."