NHS staff were forced to warn patients that every bed in their hospital was full - and pleaded with patients to be 'understanding with staff who are doing their best.'
The scene at James Paget Hospital in Norfolk epitomises the crisis within the NHS - with hospitals across the country warning of immense pressures on services.
The handwritten sign, taken on Monday in the hospital's emergency department, said: "All beds in the hospital are full today. This is seriously affecting our emergency department (A&E).