Military personnel at Royal Bolton Hospital in battle against Omicron

The Government announced early this month the military would be stationed in hospitals to help in the battle against Omicron, which is leading to large number of absences in the NHS.

The hospital welcomed 30 forces personnel from the navy and the army.

They will be supporting staff in the busy A&E department as well as other areas.

A spokesman for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said:"Support has arrived from The Royal Navy, HMS Duncan & the 1st Battalion Scots Guard from the Army.

"Around 30 personnel will be providing extra support for our staff & patients during another challenging period.

"They’ll be supporting A&E, Flow & Pharmacy services."

The Government announced at the start of the month 40 teams of five personnel, each comprised of one medic and four general duties personnel will be distributed across the country to ensure support is targeted towards the areas where the need is greatest.

Military medics will assist NHS staff with patient care. General duty personnel will support with tasks such as maintaining stocks, checking in patients on arrival and conducting basic checks.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "The men and women of our Armed Forces are once again stepping up to support their dedicated colleagues in the NHS, as they work hand-in-hand to protect the nation from Covid-19.

Great to see the @RoyalNavy in and around @boltonnhsft today, providing much needed support to our workforce to ensure patients continue to receive excellent care even in challenging times! https://t.co/YbFeyVSfE6

— Mike Larsen (@MikeJlarsen) January 22, 2022

"They have shown their worth time and again throughout this pandemic, whether driving ambulances, administering vaccines or supporting patients in hospital and they should be proud of their contribution to this truly national effort."

It comes just weeks after the military was deployed to help North West Ambulance Service.