Patients heading for Ayrshire's accident and emergency units are being warned they face a "significant wait" to be treated.
Bosses at the NHS have issued the stark bulletin today to anyone thinking of approaching hospitals in their current state.
In a social media post, NHS Ayrshire & Arran admitted that both their hospitals and staff are "under extreme pressure".
And they have pleaded with anyone who may be suffering from a non-urgent illness to instead call their 24-hour helpline - rather than presenting in person at A&E.
It comes with emergency departments at Ayr and Crosshouse Hospitals under significant strain due to high numbers of staff isolating in relation to Covid.
The NHS said: "Our hospitals and staff are under extreme pressure.
"Patients coming in to our EDs will be prioritised and those who require urgent care will be seen first.
"Some patients will face a significant wait time to be seen or admitted.
"If it’s not urgent, please call NHS24 on 111."
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