• Full range of options are available for Bolton communities
• Healthcare services include contacting 111, GPs, out of hours services, pharmacies, or attending the Emergency Department

‘Please choose the right healthcare service’ is the message coming from healthcare professionals today (27 October).

People are being asked to “Think Twice” before deciding what care and support they need for their health condition.

This will help to ensure that they get the right treatment, at the right place and at the right time – and help the NHS to deal with increasing pressures.

The call comes as wait times in Royal Bolton Hospital’s Emergency Department remain at several hours.

74,000 people attend so far this year

More than 74,000 people attended Royal Bolton Hospital’s Emergency Department between 1 April and 19 October 2022.

Hannah Durrant, Consultant at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

We’re really happy to see people when they’re unwell, that’s what we’re here for and that’s our job.

“However, if you’re not sure whether you need an emergency department or not, contact 111, your GP or a pharmacist and take advice there.

Since 1 April, an average of 368 people have attended the Emergency Department each day.

Wait times to be seen have been more than seven hours today.

Right now they’re roughly three and a half hours.

Our brilliant staff are working so hard to help others, but please consider whether the Emergency Department is the right place for you.

Use https://t.co/uNq2Yi2fAk pic.twitter.com/hGSALR0HTm

— Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (@boltonnhsft) October 24, 2022

Imran Khan, Urgent Care Lead at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

What we have to do is prioritise patients in terms of their clinical condition.

“People may wait longer if their condition is not as serious as someone else’s, or be directed to another more appropriate service.

Wait times fluctuate across a 24-hour period, but on average attendees wait more than two hours to be seen.

People asked to think twice

Imran added:

It’s worth remembering that the problems people come here with are urgent to them, and they want things treated immediately.

“However we have seen an increase in the number of patients who come with conditions that could be managed at home.

“During summer we had someone turn up with chapped lips, and someone else with a verruca; both things which could’ve been seen by a pharmacist.

Laura Wells, Emergency Department Matron at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

In an emergency situation or if anyone has an accident then we’re here to help.

“There are other options, such as seeing your GP, walk-in centres or self-help, which we know some people who present with us would’ve been better to seek one of those options first.

Our Emergency Department is very busy. If you’re not sure where to get the healthcare support you need, contact https://t.co/uNq2YhK6mc pic.twitter.com/nyYZCYU7Xa

— Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (@boltonnhsft) October 24, 2022

Get medical help online via 111.nhs.uk, or call 111 instead.

Dr Niruban Ratnarajah, Clinical Director (Bolton) NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and a GP Partner at Stonehill Medical Centre in Farnworth, said:

We know that there are delays accessing a GP appointment nationally. Across the country there have been more people presenting at A&E, and many of them simply don’t need to go there.

“Our practices are open and our doctors are working hard to see the patients that need to be seen, this may just take place in a different way.

“Your appointment might be over the phone or with a member of staff other than a GP, such as a nurse practitioner or another professional best suited to support you.

“You may also be directed to a local community pharmacy for advice for particular conditions rather than being offered an appointment.

“Like all areas of the NHS, we’re under incredible demand. Please think carefully about where you can get help so that we can make sure the right person is there to help you.