• NHS in Bolton issues advice on where to find healthcare help during the Easter holidays
• Royal Bolton Hospital’s Emergency Department continues to be open for life-threatening conditions
• If people are unsure where to go NHS 111 online or by phone can provide advice

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is sharing advice to help people get to know where to go for healthcare over the long Easter weekend.

NHS services traditionally see a rise in demand during bank holidays, with an increase in the number of people attending urgent care services.

Knowing where to go for medical help over the bank holiday can save people time and ensure they get the right care as quickly as possible.

Royal Bolton Hospital’s Emergency Department will continue to be open for life or limb-threatening emergencies, which might include:

• Severe chest pains
• Difficult breathing
• Bleeding you can’t stop
• Possible broken bone
• Loss of consciousness
• Stroke symptoms
• Severe tummy pain or headache
• A child who is very unwell

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Bolton Hospital will be open to deal with both illnesses and minor injuries.

People may be referred if they attend the Emergency Department with a minor condition, where they will then be offered a pre-booked appointment.

Appointments are also available by calling 111.

What to do if you feel unwell

For illnesses or conditions that are not life or limb-threatening, the NHS has a number of other services available during the Easter weekend.

• NHS 111: If you need medical advice, visit nhs.uk or call 111, where trained professionals can guide you to the right service or book an urgent appointment if necessary. Always call 111 where a child is under 5 years of age. The call is free and the service is open 24 hours a day.
• NHS 111 and accessibility: NHS 111 offers a British Sign Language (BSL) service that is open 24/7. If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone.
• Pharmacies: Not all pharmacies will be open over Easter weekend and many will have reduced hours, so check ahead before you visit. Find your nearest pharmacy on the NHS website.
• Pharmacy First: Pharmacists can provide expert advice and treatment for common conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), sore throats, and skin infections without the need for a GP appointment.
• Urgent Dental Care: If your dental practice is closed or you don’t have a regular dentist, contact the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800 (available 8am – 10pm daily, including bank holidays). Please note that charges may apply unless you receive certain benefits.
• Urgent Eye Care: Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eyecare Service (UES) provides free NHS treatment. Go to the website to find your nearest participating optician.

Dr. Francis Andrews, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Easter is a celebratory time for many of us, but it’s really important people know where to find the right healthcare services if they need us.

“Our Emergency Department is always here to help anyone in a life or limb-threatening condition. We’ll always prioritise those who are most ill to make sure they get the life-saving care they need.

“If your condition isn’t serious, you may find help quicker elsewhere. If you’re unsure, NHS 111 online or by phone can help you with non-urgent health conditions and advise you on where to get help for your symptoms.

Mental health services remain available throughout the bank holiday period. If you need urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and select Option 2.
Be prepared and stock up on essentials

It’s a good idea to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home to manage any minor illnesses or injuries. We recommend keeping the following low cost essentials on hand:

• Pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, as well as Calpol or an unbranded equivalent for children.
• Antihistamines for allergies and hay fever relief.
• A first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic cream, and eyewash solution.
• Hydration remedies such as oral rehydration salts.
• Indigestion relief for stomach upsets.
• Cold and flu treatments to manage unexpected symptoms.