Choose well this bank holiday weekend

If you become unwell or are injured make sure you choose the right NHS service to make sure you get the best treatment

Make sure you know where to go if you or your family become ill over the bank holiday weekend.

GPs will not be open on bank holiday Monday 26 August; which means anyone who becomes ill will need to be aware of the alternative local health services available.

Local pharmacists can provide expert help and advice on every day injuries and illnesses without an appointment. They will also be able to assess your symptoms and tell you when you need to visit your GP.

If your GP practice is closed, you can access the out-of-hours service by calling the practice as usual.

In addition, Middleton Health Centre runs a daily walk-in clinic between 8am and 8pm alongside its usual booked appointments.

For treatment of more serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries or illnesses, the Urgent Care Centre at Rochdale Infirmary is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No appointments are necessary.

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale CCG, said: “As you look forward to a long weekend, falling ill or having an accident is probably the last thing on your mind, but unfortunately it happens.

“If your GP practice is closed, there are many ways you can receive treatment, depending on your symptoms. I’d encourage everyone to have a basic medicine and first aid kit in the house to enable you to deal with minor illnesses like coughs and colds at home. If you’re unsure, visit your local pharmacist for advice.

“Please remember that attending A&E is a last resort and should only be used for emergencies, so make sure you choose well.”

A full list of bank holiday opening times for pharmacies across the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale area is available under the ‘your health’ section of the website www.hmr.nhs.uk