PATIENTS have been warned that Bolton's accident and emergency department remains under 'significant pressure'.

Bosses from the Royal Bolton Hospital have repeated concerns that the vital service is being slowed by people who do not really need hospital care.

Problems began at the start of October when Andy Ennis, chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Trust, told patients that a new computer system could be the catalyst for administrative delays.

The change is meant to help staff move all records from paper copies into an electronic format but this switch appears to be partly responsible for the current pressures.

The department remains overrun with patients, some of whom are suffering 14-hour wait times for a bed and more than four hours just for minor injuries.

The trust has continuously released statements, urging anyone who can avoid visiting the hospital to do so.

They said: Our A&E is very busy.

"Please think carefully before attending.

"Your GP or pharmacist may also be able to help."