PATIENTS have been asked to stay away from the emergency department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital unless they are critically sick or severely injured.

The plea has been made by hospital bosses after a flood in the department this afternoon.

The flood has been caused by a leak of clean water from a hot water pipe and has caused flooding in the assessment area.

A hospital spokesman said: “We are currently assessing the damage and undertaking repairs.

“The emergency department is still open but capacity is severely affected and some ambulances are being diverted.

“The public are being asked not to come to the emergency department today unless they are critically sick or severely injured.”