Greater Manchester hospitals issue warning to patients and families amid industrial action

Patients are being warned of 'extremely long waits' at a Greater Manchester hospital while a senior NHS chief has warned the service 'can't go on like this'. It comes ahead of a third consecutive day of strike action for junior doctors, who are walking out over pay and patient safety.

While the British Medical Association (BMA) appears to remain in deadlock with the Government over a way forward, senior health leaders are warning the public not to expect business as usual. In a social media post tonight (March 14), Royal Bolton Hospital bosses have warned of 'reduced capacity' in urgent and emergency care during the 72-hour strike action, which began on Monday.

A spokesperson for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are always here to help those who need us, but during industrial action and periods of pressure we have to deal with the sickest and most urgent patients first. If you do not have a serious or life-threatening situation and still attend our emergency department you may experience extremely long waits.

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"Urgent and emergency care at Royal Bolton Hospital during industrial action is running at a reduced capacity." Hospitals saw their 'busiest Monday of the year' yesterday despite the first day of the 72-hour BMA strike.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers, warned of the impact of stalemate between the union and Government. "Unlike previous strikes, it’s noticeable that there has been no let-up in the demand for care," he said.

“Senior doctors are stepping into the breach but it isn’t business as usual. For hospital patients that means it’s taking longer for admissions and the discharge process is also slower. Ambulance