NHS boss in plea as patients face up to 11 HOUR waits at A&E

A GREATER Manchester NHS chief issued a public statement last night as hospitals across the region face huge pressures and long waits at A&E.

- JAMES HOLT 

People are being urged to think twice about attending accident and emergency departments as waiting times hit as long as 11 hours in some areas.

The warnings come as junior doctors embark on six days of strike action, at one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS as it grapples with increased pressure from winter viruses and a rise in people coming forward who delayed seeking help over the holidays.

The NHS has warned that the strike, which could see up to half of the medical workforce in England walk out, could lead to 'the most difficult start to the year the NHS has ever faced.