Choose the right service this winter
Winter is always an incredibly busy time for our local NHS services and as we enter the cold and flu season, we are already seeing increased demands across our GP surgeries, hospitals and community health services.
To ease these pressures and ensure that those in most urgent need are able to access services quickly, we have produced this short guide to make sure people know where to go for help when they are unwell and to access the right NHS service for them.
Self-care
Self-care is usually the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments, and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
Pharmacy
Your local high street pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment or go to A&E. To find your nearest local pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk or text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746.
NHS England is the commissioning organisation for pharmacy services. If you need any specific support in relation to pharmacy services, you can contact the local NHS England team.
GP
If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, then you need to make an appointment at your GP practice. GP practices provide care, which may involve appointments or telephone advice either with a GP or practice nurse.
GP can offer medical advice, provide a diagnosis and prescribe medicines. GPs and nurses have an excellent understanding of general health issues and can deal with a whole range of health problems.
GPs are able to provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.
Out of hours and urgent advice
For non-emergency health issues during hours when the surgery is closed, please telephone 111. This will connect you to the national NHS 111 service, who will assess your condition and direct you to the local service best suited to your needs. NHS 111 is available 24/7 and is free to call from both landlines and mobiles.
For further information, visit: www.nhs.uk/111
Bury residents can also access out of hours GP services at BARDOC, the triage for this service is being carried out at the Fairfield General Hospital’s A&E department.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a free service, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It offers help and advice for those times when it’s not a 999 emergency, but you do need help and advice fast. When you dial 111 you will be directed to the best local service for you.
A&E, emergency or the 999 ambulance service
Accident & Emergency (A&E) and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation, accidents or emergencies. Dialling 999 and stating an emergency situation will result in a response vehicle being sent to your location.
Please remember A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service are for genuine accidents and emergencies. Inappropriate use of these services can cause unnecessary delays for those who need urgent care and wastes precious resources.
Local A&E/emergency departments for Bury residents are located at:
- Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Rd, Bury BL9 7TD
- North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunuys Rd, Crumpsall, M8 5RB
- Bolton Royal Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JR
For further information, visit the Think! Why A&E?
NHS services - support for deaf and hard of hearing patients
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination
If you are eligible for the free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster you will be contacted by your GP. There are also other sites to get vaccinated locally and the following NHS webpages will help you find out what you are eligible for and where to book locally:
Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
You can also call free on 119.
