NHS services in Bolton have shared healthcare advice ahead of the busy May bank holiday.

Bolton NHS has issued advice to help people find the healthcare services they need - asking for the 'public’s help' in ensuring they can 'treat the sickest patients'.

Bank holidays typically see an increase in demand for the NHS, particularly for the Emergency Department and urgent care services.

People living in and around Bolton can support their local NHS by choosing the most appropriate place for their needs and ensure emergency services are available for those who need it most.

Dr Francis Andrews, medical director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our emergency department is always here to look after people in life or limb-threatening emergencies, every single day of the year.

“We do, however, experience a rise in the number of people arriving at our emergency department during and immediately after bank holidays, and are asking for the public’s help in ensuring we can treat the sickest patients.

“NHS 111 online provides quick and easy medical help, and for minor conditions your GP, local pharmacist or the GP out-of-hours service can provide advice and treatment.”

On 111.nhs.uk people can find help for:

  • where to get help for symptoms, if they’re not sure what to do.
  • how to find general health information and advice.
  • where to get an emergency supply of prescribed medicine.
  • how to get a repeat prescription.
  • getting emergency dental appointments.

Residents across the borough are asked to ring 999 or attend the Emergency Department if they or someone else they know experience:

  • signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of the chest.
  • signs of stroke such as the face dropping on one side.
  • difficulty breathing.
  • heavy bleeding that won’t stop.
  • Seizures.
  • or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue.

Community pharmacists can also provide advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions.

Under Pharmacy First, participating pharmacies can provide easy access to prompt advice and treatment including prescription medicines, where appropriate, for seven common conditions. The common conditions covered are:

  • sinusitis
  • sore throat
  • earache
  • infected insect bites and stings
  • impetigo
  • shingles
  • uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women

For more information about accessing services, visit the NHS Greater Manchester’s website here: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/gtkwtg/

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