Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has re-released a video pleading with residents to only attend A&E if absolutely necessary.

The trust tweeted a video, originally shared last October, in which the medical director, Dr Francis Andrews, says that the A&E department at the hospital is very busy with people who could be treated elsewhere.

The Tweet, posted yesterday with the video, says: "A&E Update. The measures we need to take to keep our emergency department COVID safe at this moment mean that we have less space.

"Please only attend A&E if you really need to, so we can prioritise treating the most ill patients who need urgent care."

In the video message, Dr Andrews says: "Currently we are experiencing high demand for our emergency services and some patients are attending the A&E department with minor issues that could be dealt with elsewhere.

"It's really important that we save our emergency care for those who are unwell and need it the most.

"Our staff are doing an amazing job at caring for the most unwell people and making sure they get help when they need it.

"So please help them by making sure that you only attend hospital if you have an appointment or if you have an urgent health issue."