ROYAL Bolton Hospital is urging people to stay safe by using the appropriate service for their illness or injury.

The hospital has experienced several busy spells at the accident and emergency department.

They have issued a message reminding people to consider visiting a pharmacy or using their GP out of hours service.

People experiencing serious injuries and life threatening conditions including severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, bleeding which can't be stopped and possible broken bones should attend A+E.

For urgent health problems at evenings and weekends your GP out of hours service should be your first port of call.

A pharmacist can offer advice when it comes to diarrhoea and vomiting, headaches, stomach upsets, insect bites and severe coughs.

Brendan Lane, senior charge nurse, said: "The demand on the hospital has been huge and the demand on A+E has been huge.

"Covid is still very much there. We're here if you need us and we will keep you all as safe as we can.

"If you need help, come in to see us but please remember to visit pharmacists, call 111 or use GP's out of hours services as well."