• NHS in Bolton issues warning about pressure ahead of industrial action
• Strike by junior doctors to take place on Thursday 27 June to Tuesday 2 July
• Emergency and urgent care to be prioritised to help manage capacity and demand

The NHS in Bolton has issued a warning about ‘significant pressure’ as junior doctors prepare to take part in fresh round of industrial action.

Strikes will start at 7am on Thursday 27 June and will finish at 7am on Tuesday 2 July, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced.

This latest round of action is set to have a significant impact on almost all routine care, with services being reduced so that the NHS can priortise urgent and emergency cases.

Dr. Harni Bharaj, Deputy Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Whilst strikes create significant pressure, patient safety is our highest priority and we have well-tested plans in place to ensure we can continue to deliver urgent and emergency care to those who need it.

“Throughout the industrial action we’ll be running at a much-reduced capacity and we are once again asking for the public’s support as we try to manage demand.

“Our Emergency Department will continue to be open as normal, and I would urge anyone with a life or limb-threatening to continue to come forward for the care they need in the way they usually would

“If your condition is not urgent, please think carefully about whether you can seek care from your GP or a local pharmacist. If you’re unsure, NHS 111 online or by phone can provide advice for your symptoms.

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.