Hospital bosses say the service is under "extremely high demand" after large numbers of ambulances seemed to be queuing outside Southend Hospital last night.

At least 13 ambulances were seen outside the hospital last night as the NHS faces increasing pressure this winter.

Campaigners claim there were about 29 at the worst point and that workers are very stretched.

Last night, one worker, who asked to be anonymous, told the Echo, said: "Those ambulances will have patients in them waiting.

"There are not enough beds and we just can't do anymore."

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It comes after the East of England Ambulance Service urged patients only to call in life threatening situations and said it would prioritise serious calls.

A spokesperson for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our hospitals are experiencing an extremely high demand for their services, with many arriving at A&E by ambulance, reflecting just how busy local NHS and social care providers are.

"We want to reassure everyone that the NHS is open, staff are working incredibly hard, and anyone needing life threatening help must always come forward.”