A LARGE increase in the number of deaths across Bolton has increased the pressures faced by accident and emergency departments, health bosses say.

Coroners recorded a sharp rise in the amount of deaths being reported to them in the first week of January.

Alan Walsh, the area of coroner for Bolton, said that he was informed of 160 deaths between January 1 and 9 — double the expected number.

The Royal Bolton Hospital and NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) say they have experienced a rise in elderly patients becoming very ill.

A spike in the number of deaths is to be expected during a particularly cold spell, but while temperatures have dipped of late, the early part of January was milder.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of NHS Bolton CCG, said the increase in deaths had increased pressure on accident and emergency.

And he reiterated pleas from the health service for A&E to be reserved for those who need it.

A hospital spokesman said 41 people died in the period referred to by Mr Walsh, up 58 per cent on the 26 recorded in 2014.

At Bolton Coroner’s Court earlier in the month, Mr Walsh apologised for the delay in starting a pre-inquest review and told the court that it was due to an unprecedented increase in the number of deaths being reported since New Year's Day.

On that day alone he opened six inquests.

The 160 deaths does not include many certified by a doctor as being from natural causes and therefore not requiring the input of the coroner.

Mr Walsh said: "There has been an enormous increase, sadly, in the number of reported deaths.”

In the whole of 2014, 3,954 deaths were reported to the Bolton coroner’s office, which equates to between 10 or 11 per day.

This compares with the 20 per day recorded in the early part of this month.

Dr Bhatiani said: "In recent weeks, we have unfortunately seen more of our frail elderly residents becoming very ill due to serious and complex health conditions.

"As we know, this has put increased pressure on local health services, in particular our A&E department.

“These patients are very unwell and need emergency treatment and care, so it is more important than ever that we keep A&E for those who really need it.

"The aim of the Better Bolton campaign from NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group is to emphasise this important message and raise awareness of the alternatives to A&E, for those with more minor illnesses and injuries.

"Let’s make it better Bolton!”

A spokesman for the Royal Bolton Hospital said the increased demand on the hospital, in terms of deaths, was not restricted to January, as they were busier than usual during December as well.

It is thought its high dependency units and intensive care units are the facilities worst affected.

Some funeral directors also reported a surge in business but were unable to shed any light on specific reasons for the surge.

During the period referred to by Mr Walsh, the Royal Bolton Hospital took the rare step of declaring a "major incident" after a crisis meeting on January 6.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust announced an emergency plan — used in the case of a natural disaster or multi-vehicle smashes — as doctors and nurses struggled to cope with the overwhelming number of patients needing treatment.

All non-emergency operations have been cancelled, staff have been taken off non-urgent work to help, and additional transport has been arranged for people being discharged from hospital in a desperate bid to free up beds.