Pharmacy and doctor's Easter opening hours

Dr Chris Duffy says put good health in your plans this Easter

“Be prepared” is the message as people are urged to check pharmacy opening hours and order any repeat prescriptions in advance of the Easter bank holiday weekend.

For protection against illness over Easter, when there will be changes in opening hours for local healthcare services, people are asked to stock up on vital medicines and also check their local pharmacies’ opening times.

Some local GP appointments will be available at four ‘extended hours hubs’ across the borough, over the bank holiday weekend. Patients can book in advance by contacting their own GP surgery, or by ringing the Central Booking Service on 0161 763 8292.

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) said:

“The Easter break is a time in which many of us can relax and enjoy the bank holiday with friends and family. But we must be prepared beforehand to help make sure that avoidable illness doesn’t spoil the fun, for anyone.

“Taking care of any repeat prescriptions, having a well-stocked medicine cabinet and being aware of when your local pharmacies are open will help to keep conditions at bay, over the holiday period.”

People are also being reminded of the benefits of using their local pharmacies to help combat common health conditions. Using pharmacies to help overcome common health issues can save people time, help them to get better quicker and also relieve pressure on other NHS services.

Pharmacists are qualified experts in the use of medicines, and can give advice on a range of common symptoms, medicines, healthy living and self-care. Pharmacists may be able to help people with:

• Skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
• Coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
• Minor cuts and bruises
• Constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
• Aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and back pain
• Indigestion, diarrhoea, period pain and thrush
• Nappy rash and teething

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