NHS bosses in east Cheshire are asking for support as Macclesfield Hospital is facing 'extreme pressure'.

East Cheshire NHS Trust is calling on residents to get medical help from elsewhere before visiting A&E at Macclesfield, except in an emergency.

It is also asking for anyone who may be able to help cover nursing shifts to get in touch, even if they are retired.

In a post on the trust's website aimed at patients, a spokesman said: "The hospital is currently under extreme pressure.

"Please contact NHS 111 first or speak to your GP or pharmacist for medical advice unless it is an emergency."

The trust says it is experiencing 'significant staffing pressures', particularly on late shifts and night shifts.

On social media, it has appealed for any available nursing staff or healthcare assistants to offer their services as cover at the hospital.

A trust spokesman added: "Even if you are retired or not currently enrolled on the bank, we still welcome you to come forward."

Any nurses or healthcare assistants who can help to cover shifts are asked to contact Nursebank on ecn-tr.nursebank@nhs.net or 01625 661114.