BOLTON Hospital is no longer under the highest level of pressure.

Bosses raised the hospital to Black Alert yesterday (Monday) following a particularly busy period but the situation has now improved.

Rae Wheatcroft, deputy chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, explained that pressure on the system has eased but that staff are still busy, especially in A&E.

“The Royal Bolton Hospital was particularly busy yesterday however the situation de-escalated within a few hours – pressures such as these are a snapshot in time as they fluctuate," she said.

"Our staff have worked hard to keep patients safe at all times. The situation has eased although we are still busy with high attendances at A&E."

Ms Wheatcroft repeated the hospital's message to the public to stay away if they have experienced certain symptoms.

She said: "There are a lot of winter bugs around at the moment, and we ask people not to come to the hospital if they have had sickness, diarrhoea or flu-like symptoms within the past 48 hours.

“In Bolton, GPs offer extended hours appointments, your local pharmacy can offer advice and you can contact NHS 111.

"Please choose well and only visit A&E if necessary.”

It is believed that more than 400 people attended the hospital on Sunday, December 8, which follows a very busy start to the winter period.