It is important that Tameside residents use and access the right services for medical advice and help, appropriate for their health and care needs.
People should plan ahead and be mindful that some services such as local GP practices may not be open. At any time, visiting a local pharmacist can also be a quick way of accessing medical help and advice. Anyone who feels unwell can visit their local pharmacy for advice on a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as: colds and flu, sexual health and contraception, sickness and diarrhoea, cuts and grazes, and general health advice. People don’t need an appointment and can speak to a pharmacist in private and in confidence. Go online for a list of pharmacies open in Tameside on bank holiday Monday at www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/find-a-service/
Anyone who takes regular medication is urged to ensure they have enough before the bank holiday weekend. Please allow enough time for the GP to process your medication request and the Community Pharmacy to dispense your medication.
As always, if in need of urgent care, think 111 first. NHS 111 will assess people and, if they need it, they will be given an appointment, in an agreed time slot at an accident and emergency department to make sure they can be seen safely. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 111 or go online at www.111.nhs.uk.
Patients experiencing dental pain are advised to call a dentist (their voicemail may advise where to get out-of-hours treatment) or call NHS 111 which will direct them to the appropriate service. The Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800) is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays for people who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or they do not have a regular dentist.
Those needing urgent mental health support because they or someone they know is experiencing emotional distress and is struggling to cope, can get in touch with the Greater Manchester 24/7 mental health helpline. Call 0800 014 9995 (freephone). Further information on mental health support can be found at www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/
A&E is for people with life-threatening situations such as a heart attack or stroke, and for the care of people who show the symptoms of serious illness, or who are badly injured. Anyone with a life-threatening emergency, should always dial 999.
For a full list of services to help people be treated in the right place go online at www.tameside.gov.uk/RCRP
“Self-care is recommended when you have a minor condition that does not need to be seen by a healthcare professional. It is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. For colds and flu it is best to rest, keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers. Useful items to have in your medicine cupboard are ibuprofen, paracetamol, plasters, thermometer and antiseptic cream.
“If you are experiencing Coronavirus symptoms, it is important that you do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Think NHS 111 first
Please do not ask to see a doctor out of hours unless you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.
Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.
