A hospital has been put on 'black alert' after A&E departments battled with soaring demand at the weekend.

The Royal Bolton Hospital confirmed the 'black alert' status - also known internally as OPEL 4 - on Monday.

The status is declared when a hospital is “unable to deliver comprehensive care” and patient safety is at risk.

A spokesperson for trust confirmed that the hospital remained on black alert on Monday.

Rae Wheatcroft, deputy chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are currently experiencing heightened pressure across the trust.

"As we have moved into the winter months there have been times when we have been busier than we would have expected across the hospital, which has led to us being at black on our internal escalation status.

"Our top priority at all times is patient safety, and we are working hard to ensure that everyone who needs a bed is admitted and treated as quickly as possible."

Patients are not being turned away from Bolton's A&E unit, a spokeswoman added.

All hospitals in Greater Manchester faced an 'extremely busy' weekend.

On Friday afternoon, Stepping Hill posted on its Facebook page urging people to 'use the appropriate service for your condition'.

However, a Stockport NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said the hospital had not been on black alert.

A&E waiting times and associated data has not been published by hospital trusts or NHS England in the run up to the general election on Thursday.

Manchester, Pennine Acute, Tameside and Glossop, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh hospital trusts were approached by the M.E.N for responses on the status of their emergency departments.

People are advised to only attend A&E departments in 'genuine emergencies', and if in doubt call the NHS 111 number.

A Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson said: "A&E departments at hospitals across Great Manchester had an extremely busy weekend.

"In order to cope with the high demand, the level of attendance and the length of waits at all our A&E departments are monitored constantly. This means the best use can be made of all available resources.

"Our staff are working extremely hard as we enter the most intense period of winter. However, we ask that the public help too and only go to A&E if necessary. Anyone who is unsure of the right place to get treatment should ring the NHS 111 phone line.

"Some seasonal pressure is also due to outbreaks of both flu and the norovirus. Everyone should practice good personal hygiene to stay well - washing hands thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet and preparing food, is the best way to stop the spread of viruses.

"If you are in an at-risk group please make sure you have had the flu vaccination and if you’re the parent of a young child make sure they’re vaccinated too. The vaccination is free and could save you from a hospital visit this winter."