Know where to go for health advice and testing over the August bank holiday weekend

As the August bank holiday approaches, local clinicians want to ensure local 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). You should self-isolate with your household and get tested immediately. You can now get tested for coronavirus even if you do not have any symptoms. Testing at three sites is open 7 days a week, please remember to drive, walk or cycle to the site – do not use a taxi or public transport.

Bookings for 1pm-8pm can be booked from 10am that day. Bookings for 8am-1pm can be booked from 8pm the night before. To book a test visit: nhs.uk/coronavirus

The test centres are located:

• Rochdale - in the marquee on the car park at the rear of Rochdale Town Hall, Packer Street, Rochdale OL16 1AB. For sat navs you may wish to use OL16 1AZ.
• Middleton - in the marquee on the Market Place Car Park next to Middleton Arena, Old Hall Street, Middleton M24 1AG.
• Heywood - Heywood Civic Centre, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW. Opens Wednesday, 26 August 2020 (initially open for 8 weeks).

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. The full list of pharmacies in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale that will be open on Monday 31 August is available here. Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling as opening hours may vary during the holiday period.

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 Aggy York, local GP and clinical lead for primary care at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) said: “We know that things are challenging for everyone 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 continue to follow our local measures and government guidance to help reduce the spread of coronavirus: keep two metres apart at all times, wear face coverings in shops and public places as much as possible, do not meet anyone from outside your household either indoors or outdoors unless they are part of your support bubble and wash your hands as soon as you get home to protect yourselves and others.”

Pharmacies that will be open as usual on Monday 31 August:

Asda Pharmacy Asda Superstore - 9am - 6pm

• The Old Cricket Ground, Dane Street, Rochdale OL12 6XT
• 01706 652010

Tesco Instore Pharmacy - 9am - 6pm

• Barton Road, Middleton M24 1HB
• 0345 675 7298