Hospital issues urgent warning after seeing 'more than 200 A&E patients'

A Greater Manchester hospital has issued a warning to patients after seeing more than 200 people in A&E today. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Royal Bolton Hospital, is urging people to think about where they should go for treatment this afternoon (April 18).

The trust has described the situation at its emergency department as 'very busy', with patients facing possible long delays. As of 3.30pm, the trust website says the A&E is 'currently experiencing very high levels of activity' with waiting times between two and four hours.

In an urgent message to Facebook users, a spokesperson for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: "We've had more than 200 people attend our emergency department already today. If your condition isn't life or limb-threatening, you may face a long wait as we always prioritise our sickest patients.

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"If you feel you can, consider using your GP, a pharmacist or 111.nhs.uk." The trust's website adds: "No matter how busy our emergency department is, the most seriously ill and injured patients will always be seen immediately.

"If you choose to visit us and do not need urgent or emergency treatment, you will be safely supported to access an alternative service." Examples given by the NHS trust of issues that should be dealt with at A&E include: