Health bosses in East Lancashire say hospitals and urgent care centres in our area are at breaking point.

They've been overwhelmed by the number of patients arriving by emergency ambulance.

Health chiefs say they're experiencing unprecedented high demand in A&E and at urgent care centres.

They tell us services are "coping" but admit the high numbers are proving "a real challenge".

Doctors think the recent cold snap has taken its toll with medics seeing many more poorly elderly patients.

The freezing weather can play havoc with asthmatics and those at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Dr Charles Thomson Consultant in Emergency Medicine said: “We are experiencing an exceptionally high number of patients who are attending the emergency department and the urgent care centres. We have been receiving a higher than expected number of admissions by ambulance over the last few days. Services are coping but the high numbers are proving a real challenge."

Clare Clark, Matron in emergency medicine, said: “Although there appears to be no particular pattern to the admissions, we are seeing a high number of elderly, poorly patients. It is especially important for elderly people and their relatives to think about stocking up their cupboards, making sure they have their prescriptions and keeping as warm as possible. It is also a time for us to be good neighbours and check whether our elderly or more vulnerable neighbours need any help or support.”

Dr David White, GP lead for Unplanned Care in Pennine Lancashire, and the GP lead for the Burnley Locality of the East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We know that if temperatures fall this increases the risk of respiratory problems. Patients with asthma and COPD need to ensure they have enough medication with them throughout this period to avoid the condition worsening. The cold weather can also affect patients with heart conditions, particularly those who are risk of heart attacks and strokes.

For health problems that need quick medical advice but are not a life threatening - patients should contact NHS 111.