THE Countess of Chester Hospital has warned its A&E is currently very busy, as ambulances have been seen queuing for hours outside the department.
The hospital is urging residents only to attend A&E if they have a life-threatening emergency.
It comes as one resident – who did not wish to be named – told The Standard their 88-year-old relative endured a nine-hour wait in an ambulance on Wednesday this week.
The resident added there were 15 ambulances waiting in the queue, with ambulance staff unable to take a break as they had to stay with their van and patients.
Patients were forced to wait in ambulances as there was a shortage of beds available, the resident added.
The 88-year-old was eventually transferred into a bay at 3am the following day.
Posting on social media earlier today, the hospital said: "If you’re unsure which NHS service you need or need expert health advice, visit NHS111 online or call NHS 111.
"Keep A&E free for those who need it most."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here