THE number of patients waiting for treatment in Bury at the end of May has risen.

Government figures show that the number of patients awaiting treatment at Bury hospitals - run by Bury Health Care NHS Trust - rose by 59 from the previous month to 2,181.

Figures for the number of Bury and Rochdale residents who are waiting for treatment at local hospitals and hospitals outside the borough also rose from the previous month by 317 to 9,690.

Bury health bosses said they were not too concerned as the increase was marginal.

Mr Phillip Bacon, Bury Health Care NHS Trust chief executive, said: "It is a fact that waiting lists go up and down. In the last three to four weeks we have had more emergency cases than anticipated which have to take priority.

"There are pressures on the health service all year round. It is difficult to legislate on demand. "

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