WIGAN and Bolton Health Authority is to get a £1,168,000 share of a £22.4 million winter windfall.

The allocation will help reduce pressure on hospitals during busy winter months.

Nationally £269 million has been put up by the Government to help the NHS cope with an anticipated surge in emergency hospital admissions over the festive season.

Of the North West region's extra £22.4 million, £1m will be invested in intensive and high dependency care projects.

The remaining £21.4m is to be used by the various Health Authorities to:

Provide more care at home or in the community to avoid unnecessary admissions

To keep waiting times to a minimum

To fund additional operating theatre and clinic sessions, extra beds and staff.

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