With the shining sun and soaring temperatures set to continue across the country into next week, the region’s ambulance service announced yesterday its decision to raise to its highest operational pressure level – which means the trust now stands at Resource Escalation Action Plan (REAP) Level Four.
Level Four “indicates a potential for failures” within ambulances services as they try to cope with “extreme pressure”, according to the national NHS framework.
The Health Service Journal has reported that all 10 of the country’s ambulance services have also been raised to the highest level.
NWAS said the heat had caused a rise in people struggling with respiratory illness.
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Confirming the move to REAP Level Four, a spokesperson for NWAS said: “As a result of the recent warm weather and increased demand, we have decided to step up to Level 4 of our Resource Escalation Action Plan, which represents extreme pressure.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has confirmed it has moved to its highest alert level / Credit: NWAS (via Facebook)
“In moving to Level 4, we will be maximising all available resources, increasing staffing levels in emergency call centres and on the road.”
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NWAS is now urging people not to dial 999 other than for serious emergencies, and to instead call either 111, contact their GP, or visit a pharmacist for advice.
The increasing incident level for NWAS comes as two of the region’s major hospitals, Royal Bolton Hospital and Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, have warned of serious pressures at their A&E departments, and have admitted that staff are currently dealing with “extremely busy” situations.
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Level Four “indicates a potential for failures” within ambulances services / Credit: NWAS
Images circulating on social media earlier this week showed ambulances have been spotted queueing up outside the Stockport hospital
The two hospitals have urged patients to only come to A&E if they have any of the following symptoms – severe chest pains, difficulty breathing, bleeding you can’t stop, possible broken bones, loss of consciousness, stroke symptoms, or severe tummy pain or headache.
You are also still encouraged to attend A&E if you have a child who is very unwell.
Featured Image – NWAS (via Facebook)
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Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Emily Sergeant -
13th July 2022 
