A record number of patients attended Bolton Royal Hospital's Emergency Department last week.

The unusually high number of people occurred on Monday (October 14), with medical staff seeing to a total of 499 patients throughout the day.

Staff at Bolton Royal Hospital set up a ‘same day emergency care unit’ on site to take some minor injuries away from the ER and give patients the treatment they need without causing a huge rush.

The same day unit was featured on the ITV breakfast show Good Morning Britain on Monday (October 21).

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Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We have seen an exceptionally busy start to the week with a record number of people attending our Emergency Department.

 “Whilst we are always here to help in life or limb-threatening emergencies, many of those who visited us could have been treated for their conditions elsewhere.

“Our urgent care services are for patients with an emergency or urgent care need that requires treatment that day, and we will always prioritise those who need our help the most.

“NHS 111 online or by phone can help direct you to the most appropriate health service.

“People can also book appointments for our Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Bolton Hospital by calling 111, where they will be seen at their booked appointment time.”

 “It’s not unusual for us to see an increase in attendances at this time of year because of seasonal illnesses such as COVID, flu and norovirus. The best way you can protect yourself and those around you is to get fully vaccinated as we go into the colder winter months.”

It comes after the recent launch of NHS Greater Manchester’s vaccination campaign to prevent a potential ‘tripledemic’ of viruses.

Buses are helping to drive home the importance of being vaccinated this winter with special messages reminding those eligible to protect themselves against viruses including flu, Covid  and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Health officials say that RSV vaccination programme could prevent thousands of hospital admissions for babies and elderly people which would also help to ease pressure on the NHS in the run-up to the winter months.

Got a story? E-mail me at Leah.collins@newsquest.co.uk