A Royal Bolton Hospital boss admits the time people are waiting for care is "not acceptable" - but has advised patients to seek alternative options if the treatment they need is "not urgent".

Hectic scenes were reported at the Farnworth hospital on Boxing Day.

But chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Rae Wheatcroft, has moved to reassure residents that staff "continue to do everything we can to get people home safely".

Ms Wheatcroft, said: “We continue to be very busy and our staff are working extremely hard to ensure all of our patients get the care they need safely, effectively and as quickly as possible. We will always see those who need our help most urgently first.

“However it is clear that the amount of time some people have to wait for care is not acceptable, so we continue to do everything we can to get people home safely, get people who need care into a suitable bed as soon as possible, and minimise the time people spend waiting for minor treatment.

“People can help us during the busy winter period by choosing the appropriate NHS service.

"We’re always here to help in a life or limb-threatening emergency, but if your condition isn’t urgent please consider using your local GP, pharmacy or NHS 111 online for help with your symptoms.”

Earlier this month it was reported that the Royal Bolton was below its target for ambulance handover times.

National guidance means patients arriving at an emergency department  must be handed over to the care of A&E staff within quarter of an hour.

In September this year the hospital was behind and in October it dropped off further.

And over the summer concerns were raised about A&E performance.