Pausing Elective Care in Greater Manchester
Hospitals in Greater Manchester have made the difficult decision to pause some non-urgent surgery and appointments due to the rising impact of COVID-19.
Patients who will be affected by this will be contacted by the hospital as soon as possible.
Care that is planned in advance is known as elective care. It involves specialist clinical care or surgery, generally following a referral from a GP or community health professional.
The hospitals affected are as follows:
- Royal Bolton Hospital
- Fairfield General Hospital
- Manchester Royal Infirmary
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
- University Dental Hospital of Manchester
- St Mary’s Hospital
- North Manchester General Hospital
- The Royal Oldham Hospital
- Salford Royal Hospital
- Stepping Hill Hospital
- Tameside General Hospital
- Trafford General Hospital
- Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
- Wrightington Hospital
- Leigh Infirmary
- Wythenshawe Hospital
- Macclesfield District General Hospital
What should I do now?
If you are not contacted by the hospital, please assume your treatment is continuing as planned. There is no need to contact the hospital or your GP practice for this information.
How long will this last?
This is a temporary measure, and the aim is to impact the fewest number of patients. The situation will be reviewed on a regular basis so that procedures can resume as soon as possible.
We understand how disappointing this will be for patients who have appointments or procedures affected, especially those who have already waited for some time, and we know people will be worried.
What if I have urgent treatments booked?
Urgent treatments and cancer operations will continue to be prioritised and hospitals will continue to work together across Greater Manchester to care for patients so that everyone who needs urgent care and treatment, gets it.
We would urge anyone with health concerns to continue to come forward for help and treatment in the usual way, using their local emergency department only for serious illnesses or injuries.
Advice for urgent medical problems:
A reminder that NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and aren’t sure what to do. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
Advice and support while you wait
Anyone waiting for treatment can find advice and support on the Greater Manchester While You Wait website (whileyouwait.org.uk). Here you will find information and advice on how to manage your physical and mental wellbeing while you wait.
