On behalf of Bolton Council, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton CVS.
Earlier this week we highlighted how we were all working together to tackle the coronavirus crisis in Bolton.
On behalf of us all, we’d like to wish you a Happy Easter and say a big ‘thank you’ to our staff across all organisations for their hard work over the past few weeks.
We’d also like to thank you for your efforts so far in sticking to the government instructions of regular hand washing, only going out when you absolutely need to and keeping two metres apart from people you don’t live with.
As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend we are fully aware that this is an Easter like no other.
For you, the message is simple: Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save lives.
No parties with the neighbours, no trips up Rivington Pike and no days out to the countryside or seaside.
For us - the organisations working hard to keep you safe - it’s not exactly ‘business as usual’ as we would all agree that these are unprecedented times.
It’s not unusual for the public and voluntary sector to work weekends, but this Easter we will be working harder than we ever have before. And we want you to remember that we are here for you.
The council’s Response Hub, which has been set up to help the most vulnerable people with no family, friends or neighbours who can help with shopping, will be available.
Call 01204 337221 if you need help, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm and Saturday 9am – 1.30pm.
Doctors, nurses and support staff at the hospital will be working round the clock looking after the most poorly people in our community.
Our GPs will be available if you need them. Traditionally, practices are closed on Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday and the buildings won’t be ‘open’ for you to call in but you can telephone your local practice as usual.
Local pharmacies will also be open over the weekend. Some may be open longer but all pharmacies will be open at least from 2pm-5pm on each of the Bank Holidays.
Most schools will remain open for the children of key workers, where required. And of course, social workers, care staff working in care homes and looking after people in their own homes will continue their duties.
There’ll be other services working behind scenes to keep Bolton active, connected and virtually entertained as we continue to do our best in difficult circumstances.
We are all still here. We are all working to help you at your time of greatest need.
All we ask in return is that you ‘be kind’ to those frontline workers, the people answering the phones, the health and care professionals and the volunteers.
If you need us, we’re here.
But please, help us to continue providing these services by doing the right thing: Stay at home, Protect the NHS, Save lives.