People are being urged to stay away from East Lancashire hospitals unless they are in need of ‘urgent or emergency care’ after a huge influx of patients.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, which manages Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital, are asking patients with more minor ailments to seek treatment through other NHS services.

Trust bosses said the demand on services was currently three times higher than usual for this time of year.

A spokesperson said: “Our A and E at Blackburn is under extreme pressure and waiting times are unfortunately longer than usual for people whose conditions are not urgent.

“Please keep our emergency services for those with genuine life-threatening emergencies.

“Our colleagues are working hard to see patients as quickly and safely as possible, and we thank you for your continued support.”

Interim chief executive Martin Hodgson confirmed the trust was managing severe pressures and demand and taking action to mitigate against that and ensure patients who need care continue to receive it.

He said: “The demand on services this morning (Wednesday) was three times higher than usual for this time of year and the strain is being felt acutely by colleagues across the trust, not just in our urgent or emergency pathways where it is so visible, but on teams and departments right across all hospital settings and our community services too.

“It clearly impacts on patients, who are experiencing some very long waits to be seen and admitted if they need to be.

“While we are continuing to provide care to patients that need it urgently we would urge people to consider the most appropriate option for the care they need and visit NHS 111 online as a first port of call.

“Please help us to manage this unprecedented demand and don’t come to A and E unless you are in need of urgent or emergency care.”

The East Lancs call comes after Blackpool Teaching Hospitals declared an internal critical incident due to the volume of patients on October 28.