• Health leaders in Bolton are urgent people to use services widely ahead of industrial action
• Resident doctors set to strike from 15-19 June, coinciding with England’s first World Cup game
• Use Emergency Department if life-threatening condition and NHS 111 online for symptom advice
Health leaders at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust are urging the public to use services wisely ahead of resident doctor industrial action and England’s first World Cup match.
Residents doctors have planned strikes from 7am on Monday 15 to 7am Friday 19 June, which coincides with England’s World Cup game against Croatia on the Wednesday.
Previous World Cup tournaments have seen a rise in demand for NHS services due to an increase in alcohol-related incidents and injuries, and with services already under extra pressure during industrial action, NHS leaders are asking people to think carefully about which services they need.
Dr Rauf Munshi, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re expecting our services to be much busier than normal as we manage another round of industrial action.
“Over the next few days please think carefully about which NHS service you need. Our Emergency Department is always here to help if you have a life or limb-threatening condition.
“If your condition isn’t an emergency, to make sure we can treat the sickest patients as quickly as possible, please consider accessing other services such as your local GP or pharmacy.
“If you are ever unsure about where to go, NHS 111 online can provide advice for your symptoms.”
Health and care teams are working to keep as many services running as possible, with patients encouraged to go to appointments as usual unless told otherwise.
Consultants, specialist doctors, nurses, and other NHS staff will continue providing care, but with resident doctors taking strike action and the World Cup, services will be busier than usual.
Where to go for help
Appointments
Please attend hospital and GP practices as planned unless contacted to reschedule. Some planned procedures may be postponed to prioritise urgent care.
NHS 111
For urgent but non-emergency health needs, you can contact NHS 111 online, by phone, or through the NHS App. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Accessibility options include SignVideo and Text Relay (18001 111) for people who need them. NHS 111 can help you find the right care for your symptoms.
GP out of hours
Use GP out of hours by phoning your own GP surgery and following the instructions on the answering machine. Alternatively, you can phone BARDOC directly on 0161 763 8940.
Dental care
For pain in your mouth, teeth, or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline for free on 0333 332 3800.
The service is available 8am – 10pm daily, including weekends and bank holidays, for urgent help when your dental practice is closed or if you do not have a regular dentist. Charges may apply.
Pharmacies
A good first port of call for many health issues. Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can treat conditions such as earache (age 1 – 17), sore throats (age 5+), and urinary tract infections (age 16 – 64) without a GP appointment.
Urgent eye care
Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eye Care Service can help if you experience sudden changes in vision, red or painful eyes, or new flashes or floaters.
The service is available throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. Call your local optician first, and if they do not provide the service, you can find one that does.
Emergency care
Call 999 or attend the Emergency Department for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of a stroke.
Urgent Treatment Centre
The Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Bolton Hospital is equipped to deal with both illnesses and minor injuries.
People may be referred to the UTC if they attend the Emergency Department with a minor condition, where they will be offered a pre-booked appointment. Appointments are also available by calling 111.
