Stay well and safe this winter

Be prepared ahead of the festive period and guard against winter illnesses as they start to circulate (pictured: winter sunrise over Ogden, Kitcliffe and Piethorne reservoirs)

This year more than ever, it is important to be prepared ahead of the festive period and guard against winter illnesses as they start to circulate.

The pandemic has meant health and care services, GP practices and hospitals are already under increased pressure. 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 and helping to keep health and care staff and patients safe.

Residents in the borough are being advised to order and collect any repeat prescriptions in advance of the holiday period and keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. It is also important to note there will be changes to opening arrangements as regular services stay closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Details of pharmacy opening times in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale over Christmas and New Year can be viewed on the CCG website here. Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling in case of last minute changes.

Pharmacies: offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses. They are often open for longer hours and at the weekend and you don’t need an appointment.

NHS 111: visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NHS.uk: is your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

GP Practices: are offering appointments over the phone and online, and for those patients that need a face to face appointment, they will be seen at the Practice. Evening and weekend appointments are also available via the seven-day access service by calling the central booking line on 0161 763 8292.

Dr Chris Duffy, HMR CCG Chair and local GP said: “We understand Christmas will be very different this year and we want people to keep safe and well. People should carry on adhering to the latest government guidance and it is important for people to look after themselves, friends, family and neighbours at this time.

“As the winter season is upon us, we usually see an increase in coughs, colds and flu symptoms. With Covid-19 circulating, it can be difficult to differentiate between Covid-19 symptoms and cold and flu symptoms, if you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste you should book a test on the NHS website (nhs.uk) or call 119 as soon as possible.

“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.”