PATIENTS waiting to attend the A&E department at Royal Bolton Hospital were queueing out of the door this afternoon - as seats were brought outside for people who were waiting to be triaged.

One eyewitness said that patients were waiting hours to be booked in for care, and that there is currently a high demand for beds inside the hospital.

Hospital bosses are urging people to only visit A and E if it is "absolutely necessary".

It comes as residents are being urged not to bring people with them to the A and E department while they wait for care, unless they are extremely vulnerable.

Read more: Seven Covid deaths in a week at Royal Bolton Hospital

A Bolton NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “Our waiting rooms are designed to keep you safe - and we cannot do this if people accompany their relatives and friends to our A&E department.

“We continue to ask that you attend on your own and to consider if this is the best place to receive care before attending.”

Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council's executive cabinet member for adult services, added: The A&E department at Bolton is always busy but currently more so than normal.

"Is A&E where you need to go - or could you seek treatment and advice from your GP?

"If you do need to attend A&E then don’t forget you will need to wear a mask."