LATEST figures show that more patients are waiting for treatment at Bury Hospitals.

Government figures show that the number of patients awaiting treatment at Bury hospitals - run by Bury Health Care NHS Trust - rose by 48 from May to 2,229 at the end of June.

Figures for the number of Bury and Rochdale residents awaiting treatment at local hospitals and hospitals outside the borough fell by 185 from the previous month to 9,505.

Mr Phillip Bacon, chief executive of the trust, said the marginal increase in people waiting for treatment at Bury hospitals was because of the rise in emergency cases.

He said: "During April, May and June we have treated 400 more patients than the same period last year. The figures show the increase in the workload."

He added: "Emergency cases have to take priority but I am optimistic that we will meet the targets. We have a number of new initiatives to help reduce waiting lists. We have already employed more specialist doctors who will start in a few weeks."

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