Healthcare services over the festive period

Residents in Tameside and Glossop are being reminded that they can access a variety of healthcare services over Christmas and New Year.

Getting advice from a local pharmacist is the best first step for a minor health concern.

People can speak to a pharmacist in confidence, in a private area, about the most personal symptoms. They should telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling as opening times may vary over the bank holidays.  

If anyone or a family member has a condition that their pharmacist cannot treat, they are advised to contact their GP during opening hours of 8am-6.30pm, Monday to Friday. GP practices will be able to offer a range of appointment options, including evening and weekend appointments based across five hubs.

To seek urgent care or advice out of GP hours, after 6.30pm on a weekday or over the weekend, people should call NHS 111 or go online www.111.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, if you cannot get an appointment and want to see someone urgently you can visit the Urgent Treatment Centre (including walk-in) at the Tameside Hospital site. The centre is open 9am-9pm every day of the year.

Lots of people get ill over winter and can even die following cold conditions.  It’s important people look out for relatives and neighbours. 

A list of pharmacy opening times plus health care services available over Christmas and New Year is on NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group’s website at https://www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/news/bankholiday.