Get enough medicines and stay well over the festive period

Staying well is important during the festive period as winter illnesses can become serious. Rochdale Borough residents are being advised to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home and know where to go for appropriate medical care and advice during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

So their festive period is happy and healthy and for protection against illness, residents should ensure they stock up on over the counter remedies such as painkillers, antihistamines and indigestion treatments as well as ensuring they have a fully stocked first aid kit to help treat minor cuts, sprains and bruises.

It is also important to know where to go for advice as there will be changes to opening times for some local healthcare services during the festive period, with closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.  

Christmas Eve, 27, 28 and 31 December 2018 are normal working days so GP surgeries will be open as normal from 8am until 6.30pm.

Appointments will be available at ‘extended hours hubs’ in Rochdale borough on Christmas Day (6.30pm-9.00pm) and on Boxing Day and New Years Day (8.00am – 6pm).

At all other times, GP and nurse appointments are available in the evening, at weekend and on bank holidays at the ‘extended hours hubs’.

To book an appointment at an extended hours hub, please call the central booking line on 0161 763 8292.

Pharmacists are high street health experts who can offer advice on many common winter health conditions, including colds and flu, and provide guidance on effective over the counter remedies to help - no appointment necessary.

Details of pharmacy opening times in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale over Christmas and New Year can be viewed on the link below.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/124756/pharmacy-opening-times-this-christmas-and-new-year

You can call NHS 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. This service is available for people who urgently need medical help or advice, but don’t have a 999 emergency. You can also get medical help or advice from 111 online using your smartphone, laptop or other digital device. The service is free to use and helps to direct patients to the right care, first time.

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and HMR CCG Chair, said: “It’s important for local people to look after themselves and family and friends at this time of year, as traditionally we see an increase in coughs, colds and flu symptoms.

“Many common minor ailments can be treated quickly and easily by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet. However, when medical care and advice is needed it’s important that people know where to go for help.

“By choosing the right service, patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time - whilst keeping emergency health services available for emergencies and life threatening conditions.”