Would-be patients have been warned that they could face waits of more than four hours at Bolton A&E.

This comes after Bolton NHS Foundation Trust issued an alert which as of Tuesday morning says that the accident and emergency department is “extremely busy.”

People have been advised that they should only go to A&E if their conditions are serious.

A statement said: “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.”

The A&E department is open 24 hours and day, 365 days a year but officials have warned that it is better to only go there when it is strictly necessary.

The trust says that the A&E department deals with emergencies such as severe chest pains, people with difficulty breathing, with bleeding they can’t stop, possible broken bones and loss of consciousness.

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It also deals with patients with stroke symptoms, severe stomach pains or headaches and with children who are very unwell.

A statement said: “Choosing the most appropriate place for care allows our ambulance and emergency department staff to concentrate on people whose lives are at risk and can potentially save you a long wait.

“Our Emergency Department is not an alternative to a GP appointment.”