NHS staff at some Greater Manchester hospitals have been told to wear face masks to help stop the spread of viruses. Health bosses have asked local NHS providers to review their infection-prevention measures to help protect staff and patients during a busy period.

It comes as flu levels continue to rise and remain higher in the North West than the national average, putting pressure on hospitals across Greater Manchester. Hospital admissions due to flu are similar to national levels while the spread of Covid-19 remains low.

However, some hospitals in Greater Manchester warned patients last week of 'exceptionally high demand' at their emergency departments. This includes the A&E at Royal Oldham where there were reports of patients waiting more than 50 hours for a bed .

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