Patients heed health appeal

OLDHAMERS have been thanked for using health services responsibly this winter.

Alan Higgins, director of public health, said that so far this winter, health services including walk-in centres, GP surgeries and the Royal Oldham Hospital’s A&E department have been able to manage well with the number of patients.

Mr Higgins said he believes this is largely thanks to residents and the hard work of NHS staff.

He said: “Over winter we have focused on making sure people have the right advice on how to stay safe and healthy and use health services appropriately.

“NHS and primary care staff have worked hard to offer flu jabs to as many people who need them as possible.

“The NHS and partner agencies have also put in a lot of hard work to planning and managing services during this busy winter period.”

With a few more months of winter left this year, Mr Higgins said it was important to keep up the good work.

He said: “With the cold weather and the fact that levels of flu and the winter vomiting infection are still high in other parts of the country, it is still important that people heed these messages.

“It’s still not too late to get a flu jab if you are over 65 or in an at risk group, for example, having a long term condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease.”

People are reminded that they do not need to visit a health professional for most winter health problems.

Coughs and cold can be treated with remedies available from pharmacies, and flu can be treated with bed rest, hot drinks and sensible use of flu products.

Only call 999 in an emergency, and emergency services should only be used in very serious or life threatening situations.

The NHS Direct offers confidential advice for any health questions on 0845 4647 or www.nhs.uk

Walk-in centres can treat minor illnesses and injuries and give health advice.


All go for new centres

NHS Oldham has chosen the firm to help in the construction of the borough’s new health facilities — although the name has not yet been revealed.

Gail Richards, chief executive, said it had reached an agreement that the building of three new GP practices in Failsworth/Hollinwood, Werneth/Coldhurst and Hathershaw/Fitton Hill could progress to the next step.

The new GP-led health centre in the town centre will also progress to the next stage.

The board also approved the full business case for the Royton Health and Well Being Centre.


Child safety under review
NHS Oldham will be looking into how it safeguards children following the death of “Baby P” in Haringey.

Among the issues will be referrals, the uptake of child protection training and staff competence.