Ambulances could be turned away from hospital to try ease the strain on casualty

Ambulances could be turned away from a hospital to try ease the strain on a casualty department which is struggling to cope.

The Accident and Emergency department at Northwick Park Hospital in north London has been under pressure following the closure of two other A&E units.

Ambulance crews now have to get permission from a control room before taking 999 patients to Northwick Park.

Some ambulances are being diverted to other hospitals in west London.The situation has deteriorated since September when A&E units were closed at Hammersmith and Central Middlesex Hospitals.