Other NHS Services

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. We suggest you keep the following:

• Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
• Mild laxatives
• Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
• Rehydration mixture
• Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
• Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
• Tweezers and sharp scissors
• A thermometer
• A selection of plasters, non- absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings.

Remember

• Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children.
• Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
• Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Your Local Pharmacist

Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time – you don’t need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. Call NHS Direct for details.

Pharmacy First Scheme

Selected pharmacies have trained professionals who can prescribe for minor ailments free of charge. Ask at reception for a list of pharmacies and the ailments they can treat. Oldham NHS Walk-in Centre – You can also see an experienced nurse for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses, seven days a week, 7am until 10pm at Oldham NHS Walk-in Centre, this is based in a new ICC (Integrated Care Centre) which is on New Radcliffe Street in the centre of Oldham. You do not need an appointment.

NHS 111

NHS 111 offers free expert health information and advice 24-hours a day on 111 or at their website, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk which also offers an enquiry service. For deaf people and those heard of hearing, a telephone service is available on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can choose to use a confidential translation service.

Accident and Emergency/999

Whatever the day or time, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest Accident and emergency department or call 999. Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.

Walk in Centre

The WIC no longer exists.

The ICC now houses a COVID Assessment Centre which is open 8am until 8pm 7 days a week and cares for patients with potential COVID-19 symptoms. It also houses a Digital Hub which provides support to Oldham Care Homes and provides urgent care (within 2 hours) to patients referred to the service by a health and social care professional. Both services are by appointment only following a referral from a healthcare professional or NHS111. 

If we are unable to offer you an appointment but you require urgent medical attention, you should contact NHS111 and, depending on your situation you will:

• Find out what local service can help you
• connected to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP
• Get a face-to-face appointment if you need one
• Be given an arrival time if you need to go to A&E – this might mean you spend less time in A&E
• Be told how to get any medicine you need
• Get self-care advice