There’s another bank holiday coming up next week, (Monday 26 May), and it’s important you know where to go if you, or someone else, become unwell over the long weekend.
Do you have enough of your regular medication?
If you take regular medicines on repeat prescription and you need to order more, you will need to do this as soon as possible. Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees a huge increases in people calling because they’ve run out of the medicine they need. By being prepared, you can save yourself time and ensure NHS 111 is there for those who really need it.
Pharmacy First
Your local pharmacy is a great place to get expert advice about minor conditions. Under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can now assess and treat seven more conditions including earache, sore throat and urinary tract infections without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
If your health issue isn’t one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions or something a pharmacist can’t already help with, you may be advised to see your GP. How pharmacies can help.
Many pharmacies will still be open over the bank holiday weekend but there might be changes to opening hours. To find out what pharmacies are open and when, visit our page Greater Manchester pharmacies opening hours.
Dental pain
If you have pain in your mouth, teeth or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800. The lines are open from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays. It is for those who need urgent help when their dental practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist. A charge may apply.
Urgent Eye Care service
Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eye Care Service can provide help if you have a sudden change in vision, red or painful eyes or new flashes or floaters.
The service is available throughout the week, including evenings and weekends.
Go to Minor and urgent eyecare services to find an optician that is part of the service. This is not a walk-in service so always call first.
Mental Health support
For mental health crisis support there are free 24/7 helplines covering Greater Manchester. You can view the numbers below;
People living in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan can call 0800 953 0285.
If you live in Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop the number is 0800 014 9995.
Your first aid kit
Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester said:
“It’s always useful to have a basic self-care kit at home to manage the symptoms of minor health conditions. This can include painkillers, plasters, anti-diarrhoea tablets and antihistamines. These can all be bought from your local supermarket or pharmacy.
“But if you need expert advice, use NHS 111 online or call 111 to get assessed and be directed to the right place, which may be a pharmacy or a walk-in centre. If you have a serious or life-threatening injury, go straight to A&E. The NHS is here for you if you need it.”
Hot weather
If we get a spell of hot weather, there are health risks, so limit your time in the heat if you can. When outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, drink water and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
For more information visit NHS advice – How to cope in warm weather.
