Non-urgent NHS care is postponed in Wigan

As part of the ongoing response to Covid-19 at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, bosses say they will be suspending all non-urgent outpatient, inpatient and day case activity for the foreseeable future.

A WWL spokeswoman said: “We want to reassure people that where they require urgent and emergency care, they will still be able to access it, and we are looking at innovative solutions, and technologies to deliver it, and ensure patients, the public, and our staff remain safe and well protected.

“Some routine appointments will continue where it is assessed as clinically appropriate for patients to come in.

“WWL staff are currently working to contact all patients with scheduled appointments to notify them of cancellations.

“All national cancer screening appointments have been suspended and will resume when safe to do so.

“We know many people who are currently waiting for treatments will be disappointed or worried.

“Should any of our patients have any concerns, please do get in touch with us, by calling the contact number on your appointment letter.”

The ruling does not cover people who were already inpatients recovering from surgery or illness.

Wigan Infirmary has been made the Covid-19 treatment centre for the borough and a new, temporary, emergency ward is currently being built in double quick time on the front car park to cope with a predicted influx of patients in the coming weeks.