For a life-threatening emergency, call 999 immediately.
If you're not sure what to do or where to go, go to NHS 111 online.
No matter how busy our Emergency Department is, the most seriously ill and injured patients will always be seen immediately. If you choose to visit us and do not need urgent or emergency treatment, you will be safely supported to access an alternative service.
When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner.
Unsure where you go? All the services available in Bolton are listed below – but you can also use the NHS Service Finder to find services near you.
Pharmacists (or chemists) are healthcare professionals who can give you expert advice on treating minor illnesses and injuries, including:
- Coughs, colds and sore throats
- Tummy upsets
- Aches and pains
- Earache
- Skin rashes
- Baby teething
- Nappy rash
- Emergency contraception (not provided by all pharmacies)
You don't need an appointment to see a pharmacist, and many are open late and at weekends.
Find your nearest pharmacy.
Your GP (doctor) practice can help with lots of different health issues, including:
- Persistent cough (3 weeks or more)
- Ongoing sore throat (1 week or more)
- Continuing earache (3 days or more)
- Headaches that keep coming back
- Cystitis (water infection) that won't go away (3 days or more)
- A breast lump
- Blood in your wee or poo
- Worries about the menopause
- Feeling low or anxious
- Ongoing or long-term conditions
The GP out-of-hours service is for health problems that can't wait until the next day.
For details on how to contact the service, call your practice and listen to the recorded message, or, you can phone BARDOC directly on 0161 763 8940.
Mon – Fri 6.30pm – 8am
Sat and Sun 8am – 8am (24 hours)
You can also access a number of different appointments for routine care and the management of more complex, long terms conditions.
Find out more about enhanced access services in your local area.
If you're experiencing any of the below – please attend our emergency department immediately:
- Severe chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding you can't stop
- Possible broken bones
- Loss of consciousness
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe tummy pain or headache
- A child who is very unwell
When you arrive at the Emergency Department, you'll check in and have a quick assessment with a nurse, who will decide how urgent your condition is.
You'll then be directed to the most appropriate area: Resuscitation for life‑threatening problems, Majors for very urgent issues, Minors for less serious injuries or illnesses, or primary care for conditions suitable for a GP.
Our Clinical Assessment Unit also supports patients who don't need hospital admission by providing rapid tests, diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as infections, breathing problems, abdominal pain, headaches, minor falls and urinary issues. Most people can go home after treatment.
If you need extra support, we'll make sure you get the right care next. This may mean moving to a hospital ward or being seen by our Medical Assessment Unit, where a senior team will plan what you need next.
Routine testing for HIV, hep B and hep C
All patients aged 16 and over who are having a routine blood test in our Emergency Department are tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, unless they choose to opt-out. Find out more.
If you're not sure what to do or where to go, go to NHS 111 online. It's available 24/7, 365 days a year.
You can find out how to get the right healthcare in your area, including whether you need to see a GP, seek urgent care, or get advice on self-care
- need help for a child under 5
- have complex problems caused by an existing medical condition
- have a care plan from your doctor for your current health problem
- need to get end-of-life care
- aren't able to use the NHS online service
Conditions that can be treated at our urgent treatment centre include:
- Sprains and strains
- Suspected broken limbs
- Minor head injuries
- Cuts and grazes
- Bites and stings
- Minor scalds and burns
- Ear and throat infections
- Skin infections and rashes
- Eye problems
- High temperature in children and adults
- Stomach pain
You may be referred to our UTC if you attend our Emergency Department with a minor condition, where you will be offered a pre-booked appointment.
Appointments can be made by calling 111.
Please arrive within 10 minutes of your allocated appointment. We cannot always guarantee you will be seen immediately.
If you feel your condition changes or worsens, we would advise you return to the Emergency Department for re-assessment, or call/ visit 111 or 999.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please call 01204 390300 to speak to our team.
If you have pain in your mouth, teeth or gums, contact your regular dentist, if you have one.
If they're closed, or you do not have a regular dentist, call the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service on 0333 332 3800.
Bolton has one urgent dental care site, but you can access any of the 13 in Greater Manchester.
If you are experiencing a range of recently occurring conditions such as a sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes or eyelids, flashes and floaters or a foreign body in the eye, and you are registered with a Greater Manchester GP practice, you can contact this service.
They can assess and treat you depending on where you are based.
Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option if you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis. It is available 24/7, and you'll speak to a mental health professional who can help you find the right support.
If there's an immediate risk to life ring 999 or go to ED.
If you need help for an urgent sexual health issue, including emergency contraception, or you think you have been exposed to HIV, please contact the team as soon as possible on 01204 390771.
If we are not open, you can get emergency contraception from your GP or local pharmacy.
If you require PEP (HIV medication) it is vital that you start this within 72 hours of exposure.