Campaigners have warned of large-scale pressure on hospital beds in Wandsworth this winter after St George’s Hospital in Tooting was forced to close its doors to emergency ambulances on Monday due to lack of space.

St George’s have confirmed they experienced a 14 per cent surge in demand last weekend compared to the same time last year.

Staff reported that up to 20 patients requiring an urgent admission had to be kept on beds in A&E as the wards were full.

Patients were diverted to neighbouring hospitals including Mayday in Croydon, Kingtson Hospital and St Helier in Sutton - all of which have reported serious pressure on their own capacity.

Campaign group Health Emergency are warning that cuts in bed capacity have left hospitals ill-equipped to cope with the winter pressures of flu, accidents and respiratory complaints and that many hospitals have been forced to close wards to cope with the winter vomiting bug, norovirus.

Health Emergency Head of Campaigns, Geoff Martin, said: “We are calling on the Government to make cash available to open additional beds and draft in extra staff to cope with the growing crisis on the wards.

“If they can find billions to bail out the banks and the city, they should be able to find the extra money needed to get the NHS through the next few months without widespread black alerts.”

A St George's spokesman said: "St George's A&E department is experiencing unprecedented levels of attendance at this time.

"Patients should only attend A&E for urgent medical attention.

"Patients with minor health complaints are asked to visit their GP or community pharmacy.

"The Tooting walk-in centre at St George's is available for non-urgent attention and the public can contact NHS direct for convenient information and advice on 0845 4647."

• For information on health services, see our Local Information section