Leaders give advice for healthy holidays
HEALTH chiefs are encouraging residents to plan ahead to stay well this Easter weekend and May Day bank holiday.
Professionals from NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group are reminding residents to make sure they get their prescriptions in time so they have enough for the long weekends.
Most common ailments can be treated at home by keeping a well-stocked supply of medicines, examples of what to keep are paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups for children, antihistamines, a thermometer to check for a temperature and travel sickness tablets.
If you become unwell, pharmacists can offer advice on common ailments such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and skin rashes.
There are changes to opening times for pharmacies in Rochdale. They are:
● 4court pharmacy Texaco, Heybrook Service Station, Halifax Road is closed on Good Friday (April 15), Easter Monday (April 18) and May Day (May 2) and is open Easter Sunday (April 17) from 9am-1pm.
● Asda Pharmacy, Asda Superstore, The Old Cricket Ground, Dane Street is open on Good Friday, Easter Monday and May Day between 10am-4pm and is closed on Easter Sunday.
● Boots Unit 7 & 8, Riverside Walk, Rochdale is open on Good Friday between 9am- 5.30pm and on Easter Monday and May Day between 10.30am-4.30pm, but is closed on Easter Sunday.
● Tesco Instore Pharmacy Barton Road, Middleton is open on Good Friday, Easter Monday and May Day between 9am-1pm and is closed on Easter Sunday.
● WM Morrison Supermarkets PLC, Kingsway, is open on Good Friday between 9am-6pm, Easter Monday 10am-4pm and May Day between 10am5pm and is closed on Easter Sunday.
● 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 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: “Anyone falling ill during the Easter break or Early May Bank Holiday should consider visiting their local pharmacist, as they will give expert advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them. If you use repeat prescriptions, it’s important that you remember to visit your local pharmacy to make sure you have enough medication to last you over the bank holidays.”
“Having a well-stocked supply of medicines can come in handy if you become ill unexpectedly and your pharmacist will be able to help you if you don’t know what to buy.”
“By choosing the right service, patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time - whilst keeping emergency health services available for emergencies and life-threatening conditions.”