Other local services
If you are feeling unwell, there are a range of choices and NHS services on your doorstep, choosing the best one to meet your needs will mean that you get the most appropriate treatment whilst making the best use of NHS resources.
Click here for more information about local health services.
Self care
Self care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
Some self care essentials include; paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal medicines, re-hydration mixtures, indigestion remedies and a thermometer.
Find out more about useful medicines you could keep at home in your medicines cabinet here.
NHS Choices
NHS Choices is a dedicated website where you can find up-to-date and expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints, as well as find your nearest NHS services, such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists, walk-in centres and so on.
Visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk
NHS 111
If you need medical help fast, but it is not life threatening – call 111
What is 111?
If you need medical help fast but it’s not a life-threatening situation, you can now call the new NHS 111 number. When you call 111, a trained adviser will ask you questions to find out what’s wrong, give you medical advice and direct you to
someone who can help you, like an out-of-hour doctor or a community nurse. If the adviser thinks your condition is more serious, they will direct you to hospital or send an ambulance. If you don’t speak English, tell the adviser what language you want to speak and they will get you an interpreter. You can call 111 any time of the day. The call is free, from landlines and mobiles.
When do I use it?
You should only call 999 in an emergency – for example, when someone’s life is at risk or someone is seriously injured or critically ill. Call 111 if you need medical help fast, but it’s not life-threatening – for example: If you:
- Think you need to go to hospital
- Don’t know who to call for medical help
- Don’t have a GP to call
- Need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next
For health needs that are not urgent, you should call your GP.
If a health professional has given you a number to call for a particular condition,
you should continue to use that number.
Visit the NHS 111 website at www.nhs.uk/111/
Your local community 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 your A&E.
Find your nearest pharmacy here.
Your own GP
GPs provide a range of services by appointment and when absolutely essential can make home visits.
Make your GP Practice your first port of call for advice, guidance and treatment. Your GP knows you best.
Find details of local GPs here.
Bury Urgent Treatment Centre
Bury Urgent Treatment Centre – if you need treating today, this doctor-led service is open every day from 8am to 10pm, no appointment needed. The service offers an alternative choice for anyone who can’t get a same day appointment at their own GP practice, when they are suffering from an ailment, illness or injury that needs assessing quickly, but isn’t serious enough to require a visit to A&E. First floor Moorgate Primary Care Centre, 22 Derby Way, Bury, BL9 0NJ
Prestwich Walk-in Centre
Prestwich Walk-in Centre is a nurse led service which is open every day (including Bank Holidays) from 8am until 8pm. You don’t need to make an appointment, just walk in. Prestwich Walk-in Centre is located on Fairfax Road, Prestwich M25 1BT.
A&E/999
A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. Dialling 999 and stating an emergency situation will result in a response vehicle being sent to your location.
Your local A&E departments are situated at:
- Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Road, Bury, BL9 7TD.
- North Manchester General Hospital, Delauneys Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, M8 5RB.
These A&E departments are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.