Pick the right health service

AN NHS chief is urging everyone to stock up their medicine cabinets in time for the Easter break and choose their health services wisely.

Oldhamers are being encouraged to make sure they have enough medication at home to deal with minor injuries and common ailments like coughs, sneezes and stomach upsets.

Dr Ian Wilkinson, local GP and accountable officer of Oldham NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Prevention is always better than cure, so by making sure you have everything you need ahead of the Easter period you will give yourself the best chance of staying out of hospital.

“There are a number of different things people can do to manage whatever condition they may be living with. For example, making sure you collect your repeat prescription in good time will mean you’re well equipped for Easter.

“If you need to use NHS services, by looking at the sort of services which are on offer you can choose the most appropriate, this will help you get the sort of care you need and reduce pressure on A&E services.

“If you do feel unwell there are lots of things you can do to treat your symptoms at home. Stocking up on essentials like plasters, antiseptic cream, paracetamol and indigestion remedies will ensure you’re prepared to treat minor illnesses and injuries.

“Call in at your local pharmacy — your pharmacist will be able to advise you on what you need.”

All GP practices, apart from Lindley Medical Practice, will be closed from tomorrow, Good Friday, to Easter Monday, April 9 (inclusive).

Lindley Medical Practice is based at Oldham Integrated Care Centre, in Oldham town centre. It provides walk-in services as well as registered GP services. People can drop-in with urgent medical problems and be seen by a team of nurses and doctors. For more information phone 0161-785 7520 or visit the website at: www.gtdhealthcare.co.uk.

If you need to see a doctor urgently when your local surgery is closed, you can contact the local out-of-hours GP service on 0161-336 3252.

Details of pharmacy opening hours over Easter can be found on the NHS Oldham website at www.oldham.nhs.uk.