"Robust plans in place" as health services in Bolton face "significant pressures" due to industrial action and the busy New Year period.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said they are doing everything they can to "minimise disruption" at the Royal Bolton Hospital and are asking residents across the borough to choose the right health services to help them.

The emergency department at the hospital is currently very busy.

Waiting times are approximately four hours plus and higher priority patients will be seen first.

Rae Wheatcroft, chief operating officer at the trust, said: “Our services are facing significant pressure as we manage industrial action and the traditionally busy New Year period, which can see a spike in seasonal illnesses such as Covid and flu.

“We’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption and have robust plans in place, but you can support us during this unprecedented industrial action by thinking carefully about what the most appropriate health service is for your care needs.

“If your condition is life or limb-threatening, please come forward immediately to seek help from our emergency department in the normal way so that our staff can provide the treatment you need.

“For other care needs, such as minor illnesses, please use NHS 111 online where your symptoms can be assessed. You can also book an appointment with your GP or visit a local pharmacy.

“We know that we have asked a lot of the people of Bolton over the past year but would like to stress that their ongoing support and kindness towards our staff is really appreciated.”

Junior doctor strikes across Bolton and England have been ongoing since 7am yesterday, Wednesday, January 3, and they will continue to take action until 7am on Tuesday, January 9.

The service deals with several life-threatening emergencies such as severe chest pains, difficulty breathing, bleeding you can’t stop, possible broken bones, loss of consciousness, stroke symptoms, severe tummy pain or headache and a child who is very unwell.

GP and pharmacy services will be unaffected by the industrial action and people are being urged to use these services as they would normally.

Patients can also use 111 online or call 111.

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