A power outage has hit Great Western Hospital.

Patients with pre-booked appointments this afternoon are advised not to attend the hospital.

UPDATE: Power has now been restored

Anyone with a serious health emergency should call 111 or 999 rather than attend A&E themselves.

Calls to the hospital may not get through as the unexpected power cut has also affected the switchboard.

A GWH spokesperson said: "We are experiencing a power outage affecting some areas of Great Western Hospital including the Urgent Treatment Centre.

"Our Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre are both currently affected, so patients with a serious medical condition must phone NHS 111 or 999.

"Planned appointments are currently postponed. If you have a planned appointment at the hospital today, please do not attend and we will contact you at the earliest opportunity to re-arrange.

"Our switchboard is currently also affected.

"Visitors are asked not to visit the hospital at this time, with the exception of legal guardians, carers and relatives of end-of-life-patients.

"Pregnant women who have questions or need emergency advice, should phone 07500952636 instead.

"Staff continue to work hard to continue to care for patients.

"We will provide an update as soon as we have one.

"Thank you for your patience."