From this week, people registered with a Bolton GP who attend the Emergency Department (ED) at Royal Bolton Hospital may now be given a GP appointment or directed to a local pharmacy if their condition is not serious enough to require emergency care in hospital.

This change is part of a new approach, developed and delivered by Bolton GP Federation in partnership with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, and being piloted over the next five weeks during times of peak demand, to make sure patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

What does this mean for patients?

If you are registered with a Bolton GP and attend ED with a minor illness during times of peak demand, you may be:

• Offered a same-day or next-available appointment with a GP or clinician at Bolton Health Hive or another general practice location.
• Directed to a community pharmacy for expert advice and treatment.
• Signposted to another appropriate local health service.

Importantly, patients who are redirected will not just be given advice – appointments will be booked for them wherever possible, so they know exactly where to go and when. Anyone who needs urgent or emergency hospital care will still be seen in ED or at the Urgent Treatment Centre as soon as possible.

Why is this happening?

ED services are under extreme pressure, particularly during the winter months. Many people attend ED with conditions that can be safely and more quickly treated by GPs, pharmacists or other community services.

By assessing patients before they enter the Emergency Department, General Practice clinicians can help to:

• Reduce long waits in ED
• Help patients get seen faster in the most appropriate setting
• Keep ED capacity available for people with life-threatening emergencies
• Improve overall patient experience and safety

This approach also helps prevent overcrowding in ED, which can impact care for the sickest patients.

What types of conditions may be redirected?

Examples include:

• Minor infections or injuries that don’t need hospital treatment
• Medication queries or prescription related issues
• Flare-ups of stable long-term conditions
• General health concerns that can be managed by primary care

Clear safety checks are in place, and patients will be immediately escalated back into ED if there are any concerns.

Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said:

January is always one of our busiest times of year, and this year we’re also seeing more people attend the emergency department than at the same time in 2025. The impact of this is that those who need urgent help the most, can have a longer wait for what might be life-saving treatment.

“We’ve been working hard to support patients and the general public with understanding where the best place is for them to receive treatment, and by having this additional support at the front door of the Emergency Department – we’re confident that more people will get the care they need more quickly – and we can concentrate on providing urgent and emergency care.

Dr Kamran Khan, Chair of Bolton GP Federation, said:

The Federation has been offering extra GP appointments to Bolton people over the winter months and at evenings and weekends for several years now – most recently from the Bolton Primary Care Hub at Chorley Street – as part of our commitment to supporting practices and improving access for patients.

“Having one of our clinicians at the front door of ED is an extension of this, and one that we think can make an important, positive impact on patient care, whilst helping to educate people on the best place to go when they are feeling unwell.

When should you still use ED?

You should always attend ED or call 999 for emergencies such as:

• Chest pain
• Signs of stroke
• Severe breathing difficulties
• Serious injury or bleeding
• Loss of consciousness

For non-urgent health issues, people are encouraged to:

• Contact their GP practice
• Visit a community pharmacy
• Use NHS 111 for advice and guidance

This change is being delivered in partnership between Bolton GP Federation and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust as part of wider plans across the healthcare system to reduce pressures in urgent care and ensure help is available for those who need it most.