Staff shortages have forced Neath Port Talbot Hospital to close to emergency cases for a third night.

The hospital first shut the service at 1700 GMT on Friday night after it was unable to arrange locum cover for the weekend.

If they need further medical opinion then they should attend another accident and emergency department Hospital manager Carl Murray

It was also closed to emergency cases between 1700 GMT on Saturday and 0800 GMT on Sunday.

Officials are advising patients to contact their GP or to phone NHS Direct if they need advice.

If they require further assistance, patients are being recommended to visit other hospitals.

On Sunday night, emergency cover will not be available between 1700 GMT and 0800 GMT the following morning, when normal service will resume.

The hospital remains open to GP medical admissions.

Recommended A&E departments

Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend Morriston Hospital, Swansea

"We are encouraging patients to contact their GP or NHS Direct first," said hospital general manager Carl Murray.

"If they need further medical opinion then they should attend another accident and emergency department, either at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend or Morriston Hospital in Swansea," he added.

The Neath Port Talbot hospital opened on 2 December 2002, replacing the Neath General Hospital and Port Talbot General Hospital.

The phone number for the NHS Direct is 0845 46 47, 24 hours a day.