Patients are being warned about delays at Wigan's main accident and emergency department after a crash closed a key road.
Wigan Lane was shut following a collision between a car and a van at around 2pm today and bosses at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary said the incident blocked entry to the hospital's A&E.
There are still delays in the area and limited access to the hospital.
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Two people - including one man aged 77 - have been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after paramedics arrived at the scene of the crash.
Wigan Lane was closed between the Mesnes Road roundabout and Central Park Way.
A&E departments across the UK are under increasing pressure at the moment, with ambulances forced to queue outside packed hospitals.
In a statement a spokesperson the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust said: "Please be aware that due to an earlier road traffic accident - you can only access the RAEI site (inc access to Emergency Department) via Wigan Lane (Tesco side).
"Please allow extra travel time if you plan to attend this hospital site. There is no access via Wigan Lane (Cherry Gardens)."
A spokesperson for GMP said: "At around 2pm today (17 November) police were called to reports of a collision between a car and a van on Wigan Lane, Wigan.
"A 77-year-old man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries where he remains in a stable condition.
"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."
A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service added: "We have responded to an RTC (road traffic collision), with three ambulance crews and a response vehicle.
"One of the patients had to be released from their vehicle.
"In all, we have taken two people to hospital, both suffered serious injuries."
Anyone with information about the crash can report online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, call 101 quoting log 1599 of 17/11/21.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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