How to get health advice over August bank holiday weekend

Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling as opening hours may vary during the holiday period

As the August 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, in the shortest possible time – freeing up emergency services to help those most in need.

For protection against illness, local people can take practical steps which include stocking up on over the counter remedies, checking local pharmacy opening hours and picking up repeat prescriptions.

Although most legal restrictions have now lifted, it’s important to remember that Covid-19 has not gone away. If you show any 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 and get tested immediately. Further information about testing and testing sites can be found on the Rochdale Council website here.

Getting two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine is still the best protection against becoming seriously ill or hospitalised from Covid-19 and local walk-in clinics are continuing over the next couple of weeks. Residents can check where their nearest clinic is by visiting the council website.

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.

Pharmacies: offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses. The full list of pharmacies in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale that will be open over the bank holiday weekend is available on the CCG website. Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling as opening hours may vary during the holiday period.

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: Evening and weekend appointments (including bank holidays) are available via the seven-day access service by calling the central booking line on 0161 763 8292.

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chair of NHS HMR CCG said: “Since restrictions lifted, our GP practices, hospital and ambulance teams are seeing high levels of demand. By choosing the right service, patients can help us to keep emergency health services available for emergencies and life threatening conditions.

“Ahead of mixing with family and friends over the bank holiday weekend, residents should remain cautious about the spread of Covid-19 by wearing masks in public settings, washing hands regularly, opening windows and doors to let fresh air in and continuing to meet outdoors wherever possible. If you are planning to socialise then it’s a good idea to get tested beforehand.

“Pharmacists can offer expert advice on many minor illnesses, but if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, call 111 or go online to 111.nhs.uk. Fully trained advisors will answer questions about your symptoms and can direct you to the right service to help you, including making you an appointment at an urgent care centre or A and E department if needed.”