Know where to go for health advice over the May bank holiday

As the late May bank holiday approaches, local clinicians are ensuring Rochdale borough residents know where to go for medical help over the bank holiday weekend. Their advice is intended to help local people to get the right care, in the right place during this challenging time.  

For protection against illness, local people are reminded to take practical steps which include stocking up on over the counter remedies and picking up repeat prescriptions.

If you do feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, there are a variety of treatment options available to patients in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

Patients are reminded to contact 111.nhs.UK if they are showing symptoms of Covid-19 (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, loss/change in your normal sense of smell or taste) and that they are now eligible for testing. To book a test visit: 

• nhs.uk/coronavirus

Community pharmacist

Your local pharmacist is the first place to go to for fast and convenient clinical advice and over the counter medicines to treat minor health concerns such as sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles, teething and aches and pains – no appointment needed. They can also refer patients to further professional help where necessary.

You can find a full list of pharmacies in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale that will be open on Monday 25 May here: 

• www.hmr.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Pharmacy-opening-25052020.pdf

Please telephone your usual pharmacy before travelling.

GP and nurse appointments

Some GP and nurse telephone appointments will be available over the bank holiday weekend. Patients can book in advance by contacting the Central Booking Service on 0161 763 8292. Urgent on the day appointments may be subject to triage.

NHS 111

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent but non-life threatening medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. You can dial 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk using your smartphone, laptop or another digital device to answer questions about your main symptoms, receive tailored advice on what to do next and be contacted by a healthcare professional if needed – instead of worrying, self-diagnosing or second-guessing what you should do.

Urgent Care Centre at Rochdale Infirmary

Rochdale’s Urgent Care Centre is available to treat patients with a minor injury or illness, or an urgent but less serious emergency.

Accident & Emergency (A&E) or 999

In critical situations only, call 999 or visit A&E. If it is not a major, life-threatening illness or injury, consider the other options available to you.

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chair of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) said: “We know that things are very different for people at the moment and we want everyone to try and enjoy the long weekend. With some simple preparation, many minor conditions can be easily treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. If you do become unwell, it’s important to know where to go for medical help.

“Please follow all government announcements on self-isolation and social distancing: keep a safe distance from others, stay at home as much as possible and wash your hands as soon as you get home and protect yourselves and others.”