How you can stay well this Christmas

It is important to stay well during the festive period as winter illnesses can become serious. 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.

For a happy and healthy festive period 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.

December 23, 24, 27, 30 and 31 are normal working days, so GP surgeries will be open as normal from 8am until 6.30pm.

Appointments will be available at 'seven day access hubs' in Rochdale borough on 25 December (6.30pm - 9pm) and 8am - 6pm on 26 December and 1 January 2020.

At all other times, GP and nurse appointments are available in the evening and at weekends at the ‘seven day access hubs’. To book an appointment at an extended hours hub, please call the central booking line on 0161 763 8292. For more information, visit:

• www.hmr.nhs.uk/your-health/there-for-you

Dr Aggy York, local GP and Clinical Lead for Primary Care at HMR CCG, 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.

“Order and collect any repeat prescriptions in advance of the holiday season and remember many minor conditions can be easily treated if you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

“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.

“Pharmacists should be your first stop for common problems including coughs and colds, minor cuts and bruises, constipation and indigestion. They can give expert medical advice and help with lots of everyday ailments, no appointment necessary. If you do need to see a GP, our extended hours hubs are offering appointments over the festive period.

“Details of pharmacy opening times in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale over Christmas and New Year can be viewed on the link below. Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling.

“If you urgently need medical help or advice, but don’t have a 999 emergency, you can call NHS 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser. Medical help or advice is also available from 111 online using your smartphone, laptop or other digital device. The service is free to use and helps to direct you to the right care, first time.”

• Pharmacies open Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day