'Severe pressure' at RD&E
The trust that runs the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has put it and its other facilities on the highest level of alert, called Opel 4.
It says large numbers of people going to A&E, as well as delays to discharging patients who have no care arrangements in place and high levels of staff absences are among the reasons.
Opel 4 means the organisation is possibly unable to deliver comprehensive care because of pressure of demand on services.
Phil Luke, director of operations for the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust said the NHS across Devon is extremely busy and asks people to ring 111 for medical advice, except in an emergency.
He Luke said: "This will help to ease the burden on our overstretched services at this time. It is important to stress, though, that if you do need emergency care, please phone 999 or attend our emergency department.
"In addition, if people have a loved one who is medically well and able to leave hospital please support us to ensure that they can do so safely."
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