• Resident doctors to take part in industrial action from Friday 25 – Wednesday 30 July
• Healthcare help available as resources focus on prioritising emergency care and urgent services
• 111.nhs.uk provides healthcare help for symptoms

NHS leaders in Bolton are sharing advice on the best ways to access healthcare services during upcoming strikes.

Residents doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) have voted to take part in industrial action from 7am on Friday 25 July until 7am on Wednesday 30 July.

The strikes are set to have an impact to how healthcare services are provided. Some routine appointments and procedures are being postponed with affected patients being notified directly.

If patients have not heard of any changes to their appointment or procedure they are asked to still attend as they normally would.

Dr Francis Andrews, Medical Director and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

We have extensive plans in place to help minimise the impact of strike action and to prioritise delivering urgent and emergency care for people in Bolton.

“We’ll be focusing our resources on key frontline services, which may see some appointments being postponed and rescheduled.

“You can help us during this challenging period by using NHS services appropriately. Please continue to come forward to help in a life or limb-threatening emergency. If it isn’t urgent, you may be able to find the help you need by using 111.nhs.uk, booking an appointment with your GP or visiting one of your local pharmacies.

Accessing NHS services during strike action

Throughout this challenging period, our urgent and emergency services are still here to help those who need it.

If your condition is not an emergency or life or limb threatening, please consider using a different service for your care:

• NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week either online or by phone.
• Make an appointment with your local GP.
• Visit your local pharmacy.
• 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.
• Access to urgent dental care is available for patients across Greater Manchester, supported by the Urgent Dental Care Helpline (0333 332 3800).

British sign language (BSL) users can use the NHS 111 video interpreter service by visiting their website.

Repeat prescriptions should be ordered in advance of industrial action to ensure people have enough of their regular medications.

The While You Wait website also has lots of helpful information on staying well whilst you wait for treatment.