HEALTH MATTERS
●● WITH Dr Paul Bowen, a GP with McIlvride Medical Practice, Poynton, and executive chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). I’M sure many of us are looking forward to a well-earned Bank Holiday Monday, and rightly too!
However, I would also like to take this opportunity to remind patients to plan ahead.
I would strongly advise those with repeat prescriptions to call into their GP practice or local pharmacy in good time, as most practices need at least 24 hours to process a repeat prescription request.
Alternatively, local pharmacists can give advice on common health problems and some are open over the Bank Holiday.
The Macclesfield pharmacy opening times are as follows: ●● Tesco, Hibel Road – 11am-4pm ●● Boots, The Grosvenor Centre – 11am-4pm ●● Sainsbury’s, Cumberland Street – 7am-11am ●● Peak Pharmacy, Weston Square – closed ●● Tytherington Pharmacy, The Shopping Precinct – closed ●● The Co-operative, Park Lane – closed ●● The Co-operative, Sunderland Street – closed ●● The Co-operative, Bollin House – closed ●● Andrews Pharmacy, Kennedy Avenue – closed ●● Waters Green Medical Centre – closed ●● Lloyds Pharmacy, Charlotte Street – closed ●● London Road Pharmacy – closed ●● Rowlands Pharmacy, Wellington Road, Bollington – closed ●● The Village Pharmacy, Unicorn House, Prestbury - closed
Visit easterncheshire ccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/ Pharmacy.htm for further information and pharmacy opening hours in other areas of eastern Cheshire.
We want people to have fun and stay safe over the Bank Holiday, and a little bit of forward planning will really help with that.
For those with longterm health problems, taking daily medication is an important part of your treatment, and many people are at risk of suffering serious attacks or hospitalisation if medical supplies run out.
Pharmacies are also the ideal place over the Bank Holiday weekend to get over-the-counter remedies and advice for minor problems such as coughs and colds or ailments like bumps and grazes – things that don’t really need a visit to the doctor or hospital.
If you become unwell over the Bank Holiday weekend or need medical advice when your GP surgery is closed, you can access GP out of hours services at Macclesfield District General Hospital by calling 01625 502999.
Of course many parts of the NHS will be open as normal, including the A&E department at Macclesfield District General Hospital and the minor injuries unit at Congleton War Memorial Hospital.
The minor injuries unit can treat broken bones, minor burns and minor head injuries, but those with more serious conditions such as chest pains and breathing problems should visit A&E.
Patients can get advice on choosing the right health service by visiting easterncheshireccg.nhs. uk/Your-Health/UrgentCare-And-Other-Options. htm.