GP surgeries are not shut, that's the message from health chiefs.

Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it is keen to get the message out to the public that family doctors are still available to see patients, but the procedure for making appointments has changed in many practices in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

A number of surgeries are asking people to phone to book an appointment and not to turn up at the door so any perceived coronavirus risk can be assessed safely.

A spokesman for Bolton CCG said: "There has been a change in procedure for patients making appointments, but GP surgeries are not closed to patients.

"We would urge people to check with their practice on how appointments are not being made."

Mandalay Medical Centre posted on its website: " On a temporary basis all online booking of appointments are suspended. Please could you telephone the surgery, if you need an appointment. If you are feeling unwell with a cough, cold, chest infection or flu like symptoms, please contact NHS 111.

"Before attending any appointments at Mandalay Medical Centre, please refer to the latest on the Coronavirus at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/"

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is urging people to attend appointments at Royal Bolton Hospital as usual and stressed patients would be notified if that changed.

Posting on Twitter, bosses said: "FAO patients with appointments:

"If you have an appointment at the Royal Bolton Hospital, or are due to be admitted here for surgery, please continue to attend your appointment on the agreed date and time. Currently, appointments are operating as normal.

"Unfortunately, this is a fast-moving situation but we would like to assure you that if we need to make changes or cancel your appointment we will contact you by telephone to notify you. We will also post any changes on our website. We thank you so much for your support."