THE flu epidemic sweeping the North-west has stretched medical teams in Bolton to the limit.

Some GPs had to cope with up to a 100 per cent increase in the number of out of hours calls over the festive period.

And hospital staff - with their own numbers decimated by flu - have been called upon to treat thousands of patients, many of who fell ill with complications after flu.

The workload at the Royal Bolton Hospital was made worse by staff sicknesses and there were many calls on bank nursing staff to cover absences.

Nursing staff working in the community volunteered to cover shifts to ease mounting pressures and today Mr Mike Ruaine, Chief Executive of Wigan and Bolton Health Authority, said: "I have been working for the National Health Service for 38 years and I cannot remember a busier time. "Everyone, family doctors, out of hours staff, hospital doctors and nurses have been working flat out to deliver health care.

"Staff at every level have been magnificent. At this time of year everyone wants to be with their families, and understandably so, but there are many staff for whom this simply hasn't been possible.

"Staff have been carrying enormous responsibility for people's health and well being and they deserve our highest praise," he added.

Although many calls were flu related, it is a combination of complaints which have increased the burden.

"Everyone right across the board has been pulled out," added Mr Ruane.

Across the country as a whole 45,000 people are reckoned to have been forced to take to their beds over the holiday period due to the flu bug which is sweeping across the country.

Hospitals, ambulance services and doctors nationwide have been struggling to cope with an increasing number of patients struck down by the virus, which shows no signs of relenting.

On New Year's Eve Greater Manchester Ambulance Service received 787 calls within FIVE hours.

Although some of the calls were alcohol related, many were from relatives and patients requesting emergency care for flu-related viruses.

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