People have been warned that Bolton’s accident and emergency department is extremely busy amid soaring demand and strike action.

By midday on Monday February 26 there were around 170 patients in A&E at Royal Bolton Hospital, up 10 per cent compared to previous Mondays.

This comes with strikes in place until midnight on Wednesday February 28.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust medical director Dr Francis Andrews said: “Winter is always an incredibly busy time for our emergency department and the latest round of industrial action means those pressures feel even greater.

“We have robust plans in place to reduce the impact as much as we can and to deliver safe and high-quality care, but we’re once again asking for the public’s support to help us make sure we can treat our sickest patients as quickly as possible.”

The Bolton News: People have been warned about how busy A&E has becomePeople have been warned about how busy A&E has become (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)

Strike action began on Saturday February 24 and will continue until midnight on Wednesday 28 February.

Medics expect services to return to normal by Thursday February 29.

But staff at the Minerva Road hospital have advised members of the public to continue helping to take the pressure off by only going to A&E in “life or limb-threatening emergencies.”

This, they say, will help them prioritise care for patients with the highest clinical needs.

Dr Francis said: “We’re always here to help in life or limb-threatening emergencies, but if your condition isn’t urgent please consider seeking treatment elsewhere.

“NHS 111 has lots of advice and we have pharmacies across Bolton who can help with minor conditions such as coughs, colds, earaches and sore throats.

“Thank you for your ongoing kindness and support.”

Royal Bolton Hospital has frequently warned the public about how busy it’s A&E department has become in recent times, particularly over the winter months.

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Previous winters, the trust has launched the Think Twice campaign which has encouraged people to only go to A&E in the event of genuinely life threatening emergencies.

For people with more minor illnesses, injuries or concerns, doctors have recommended a range of alternatives in the community,

For minor conditions people are being advised to use NHS 111 online, local pharmacies and GPs.

They can also contact the GP out of hours service via their GP surgery or directly on 0161 763 8940.