Patients urged to plan ahead for the May bank holidays

30 Apr 2019 03:43
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

Patients are urged to get organised before the May bank holidays, pick up prescription medicines in advance and to consider self-care for minor, short term conditions.

There are a range of services and options available over the two May bank holidays which fall on the 6th (Early May bank holiday) and 27th May (Spring bank holiday) with some community pharmacies open on each day. Pharmacists offer expert health advice and can recommend over-the-counter medicines to provide relief from many minor, short term conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

Dr. Jeffrey Schryer, Chair of NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and local GP said: “Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet and a well-prepared first aid kit at home can help you deal with the most common illnesses and minor injuries at home. A pharmacist can offer advice and guidance about over-the-counter medicines to help with symptoms.

“Whilst self-care is generally the best option for minor, short term conditions, it is important that local people know where to go or who to contact if they are unwell, so that they can receive the best possible treatment in the quickest time for their condition.”

Choosing the right service:

NHS website nhs.uk – your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

NHS 111 (dial 111) can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.  You can also access NHS 111 online 111.nhs.uk

Your local community Pharmacy can help with lots of everyday ailments, pharmacists are experts about medicines. See the table below for pharmacies open on both bank holidays.

GP practice services will be limited on Monday 6th and Monday 27th May.  Through Bury’s extended working hours service, appointments will be available on both days from 8am until 6pm at three ‘hub’ locations across the borough.  Appointments may not be with your usual GP. Patients should contact their GP practice first for availability.

Bury Walk-in centre first floor Moorgate Primary Care Centre, 22 Derby Way, Bury, BL9 0NJ is open 7am until 3pm seven days a week. The last check in is 30 minutes prior to closing to allow staff to effectively and appropriately assess people.

Prestwich Walk-in centre Fairfax Road, Prestwich M25 1BT is open 12 noon until 8pm seven days a week. The last check in is 30 minutes prior to closing to allow staff to effectively and appropriately assess people.

A&E and 999 – these services should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.

Pharmacies open on both bank holidays.  Information correct at time of publication, please check availability before you travel.

 

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