Hospital bosses say A&E units in Bournemouth and Poole are "extremely busy" with more children being brought in over Strep A concerns.

Waiting times at emergency departments at Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals are longer than staff would like at the moment.

And they're seeing more children as concerns rise over Strep A.

Dr Harry Adlington, clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: "Our services are extremely busy and you may have to wait longer than we would like.

"Naturally we’re seeing more children right now because of the concern over Strep A and scarlet fever.

"If you attend the emergency department you will be seen with the most urgent patients assessed first.

Read more: Health experts in Dorset issue advice as Strep A cases rise

"If it’s not an emergency you may want to consider alternatives to A&E like your GP, 111 or local pharmacy and you may get the care you need sooner.

"If you’re specifically concerned about Strep A or scarlet fever go to what0-18.nhs.uk"

Earlier this week, health experts in Dorset said a well-established process is in place to tackle a rise in children becoming ill with Strep A and scarlet fever.

Rachel Partridge, deputy director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said: “Though national figures for Group A Strep and scarlet fever are higher than usual for this time of year, for most people these infections result in mild illness and in Dorset we have well-established process in place to reduce the spread of infectious diseases."