HOSPITALS in Mid-Essex remain on black alert due to an "unprecedented" number of very sick patients.

The Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, which overseas St Peter's Hospital in Maldon, Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford and St Michael's Hospital - also known as Braintree Community Hospital - originally declared the status on October 7.

A Trust spokesman said the alert is a result of a countrywide surge in demand.

They said: "The Trust is currently on ‘black alert’ due to an unprecedented number of very sick patients attending our Accident and Emergency Department. This surge in demand is being experienced right across the county.

“We are urging people to consider other options before arriving at A&E as there will be long waiting times.”