Health bosses have issued an 'urgent plea to the public' over hospital accident and emergency departments after what they described as 'unprecedented levels of attendance'.
Amid reported A&E waits of 13 hours in Greater Manchester, they said staff sickness and an 'increased prevalence of flu' had led to long delays both for patients to be seen in hospitals and for ambulances to attend people's homes.
It comes as one A&E department said it was 'exceptionally busy' today - and asked people attending for their 'patience and co-operation' amid the long reported waits. The situation at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport mirrors conditions being reported at accident and emergency departments across Greater Manchester and the nation as pressure continues to grow on the NHS.
