Get to know where to go

Here’s a quick guide to help you get to know where to go. Whether it’s a sore throat or something more serious, finding the right NHS service for your needs can help you get the treatment you need sooner.

Some local pharmacies will have different opening hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. 
To find an open pharmacy near you, search: NHS GM pharmacy opening times. Christmas is coming! Don’t forget to order your repeat prescription. It usually takes 5–7 working days for your medicines to be ready to collect – but remember to order early and allow more time ahead of bank holidays. Ordering online using the NHS App is the safest and easiest way to order your regular medicines. Your local pharmacy can provide advice and support for a range of minor illness – plus prescription medicines for some common conditions. All without a GP appointment! Search ‘Greater Manchester Pharmacy First’ to find out more.

Our primary care booklet can help you get to know where to go. It gives an overview of primary care services, what illnesses or health problems they can help with and how to access them. This makes it easier to choose the right service for you. To download it, search ‘NHS GM primary care booklet’.

If you have a little one under 5, take a look at our Get To Know Where To Go leaflet. It’s packed with tips to handle common illnesses like fever, croup, and earache. Perfect to keep handy for those ‘just in case’ moments. Search ‘Get To Know Where To Go’

Need help when your GP practice is closed? Call your practice and listen to the recorded message. Or call NHS 111 and ask about the GP out of hours service. If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a text phone.

Need to see a dentist urgently? Call the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service on 0333 332 3800. Following an assessment, you will be offered a same-day or next-day appointment, given advice, or directed to other services.

The urgent eyecare service provides assessment and treatment for eye problems that come on suddenly such as: ·

• Changes in vision
• A red or painful eye
• Something in your eye that won’t come out
• Flashes or things floating across your eye

To book an assessment search: ‘primary eyecare NHS GM’.

If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, go to NHS 111 online: www.111.nhs.uk It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. If you need help for a little on under 5, call 111. For help in BSL, search NHS 111 BSL. If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a text phone.

If you, or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Available 24/7, you’ll speak to a mental health professional who can help you find the right support.

Christmas can be magical, fun and full of joy – just not for everyone, all of the time… If you’re just not feeling it this year – you’re not alone! Learn how to combat loneliness and see how SilverCloud digital mental health programmes can help. https://GM.silvercloudhealth.com/signup

If you’re struggling and you need a little extra help –just ask! You can find free, safe and anonymous mental health support on Kooth (ages 10-25) and Qwell (ages 26+) Search ‘Kooth’ or ‘Qwell