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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Thomas George

Under-pressure Greater Manchester A&E continues to face 'exceptionally long waits', hospital warns

An under-pressure hospital has issued another urgent plea as its A&E department faces 'exceptionally long waits'.

It is just the latest warning to have been issued about lengthy delays at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary's emergency department in Wigan in recent days.

In a tweet this morning, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are currently experiencing exceptionally long waits in our A&E department and urge you to access it appropriately. Use NHS 111 online or by phone to determine the most appropriate place for your health needs. Help us help you – please share!"

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Just yesterday, the same trust issued a plea to the public to only attend its A&E department 'if absolutely necessary'.

Two days earlier, the same trust warned people that the department was facing 'exceptionally long waits'.

The warning comes as the NHS is feeling intense pressure across hospitals, emergency services and GPs alike.

In its latest plea, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust issued a list of 'serious and life-threatening conditions' that would be seen at A&E:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding you can't stop
  • Possible broken bones
  • Loss of consciousness

Last week, the North West Ambulance Service also issued an urgent plea, asking members of the public to only call the emergency line if absolutely necessary. Bosses also apologised for delays, as they said the service was extremely stretched across the region.

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