NINE patients have had to wait more than 12 hours for a bed at local hospitals as winter-bug pressure continues to build.

Last week, the Bury Times reported that Fairfield and North Manchester general hospitals encountered more delays in discharging patients last October than in October 2014.

At a meeting on January 27, NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group’s board considered the most recent statistics on A&E performance at those two hospitals, as well as Royal Oldham Hospital.

A report from the meeting said: "A&E departments have continued to be under severe pressure throughout December and up to the present date.

"A number of actions are being taken to support the trust both immediately and in the longer term."

Referring to the nine 12-hour waits as 'breaches', the report adds: "While none of the breaches related to Bury patients, this is a serious issue which needs to be fully understood.

"A root cause analysis on each of these breaches and a verbal update will be provided to the board."

At the start of January, medical chiefs urged people not to go to the three hospitals' A&E departments unless necessary.

After the meeting, the CCG's chief officer Stuart North said: "The problems are continuing and action is being taken to try to deal with it.

"This winter has been relatively mild. However, some bugs flourish in warmer weather so it can lead to more admissions."

Mr North added that the CCG would closely monitor A&E performance until pressures ease.

Dr Jimmy Stuart, of Pennine Acute Healthcare Trust, which runs the three hospitals said: "We have seen a large proportion of patients coming to us with less serious conditions and minor complaints such as alcohol intoxication, back pain, migraines and headaches, ear problems, and sore throats.

"Many of these could be treated through local pharmacies, primary care and GP practices."