More than 100 people were admitted into the accident and emergency department at the Royal Blackburn Hospital today (Tuesday, March 26), with a warning of 'some long waits'.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said that while staff were working hard to see people as quickly as possible, with a high number of 'poorly patients' in the department, there may be some long waits.

An online post said: "We are sorry if you are not seen as quickly as you would like. Please know the team is doing all they can. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Now, health bosses are asking people to consider alternatives to the emergency department – including contacting NHS 111, pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.

Chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Sharon Gilligan, said: "The A&E at Royal Blackburn is one of the busiest emergency departments in England and we are regularly breaking records for the number of people who come in for treatment each week and this includes a lot of very poorly people who need to be admitted for further care.

"Last month over 20,000 people came through the doors of A&E, which is around 100 people more every day compared to last year.

"The team could not be doing any more to support patients and their families in an extremely pressured and challenged environment, and I want to thank them for their ongoing hard work and resilience.

"Please help us by only attending urgent or emergency centres if you have medical needs that are life-threatening.

"Otherwise NHS 111 has clinicians who can immediately guide you to the most appropriate place for help, including GP surgeries and pharmacies."

Patients who have a condition that is not life or limb threatening are advised to avoid going to the Accident and Emergency department by either visiting a GP surgery, a local pharmacist or contacting NHS 111 for advice instead.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust says that this could potentially prevent patients from having a long wait.