A hospital in Greater Manchester has issued a warning to patients this evening - as the emergency department is said to be 'extremely busy.'
Bosses at Bolton Royal Hospital have announced that A&E services are currently experiencing 'extremely high levels of activity' with wait times said to be four hours plus.
It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office issued a yellow Heat-Health Alert for all parts of England lasting until Monday 19 June.
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The region and the rest of the country has been experiencing balmy weather, with temperatures reaching up to 30C in parts of Greater Manchester over the past few days.
Under the new HHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert means a potential for increased use of health care service by vulnerable populations, and an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
All regions of England have been placed under this alert. Five regions were previously under an amber alert from Friday 9 June until 9am this morning and have been de-escalated to yellow.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust say that no matter how busy their 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," they said in a statement online.
Patients are advised the life-threatening emergencies they deal with include: Severe chest pains, difficulty breathing, bleeding you can't stop, possible broken bones, loss of consciousness, stroke symptoms, severe tummy pain or headache, a child who is very unwell.
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