Get To Know Where To go

Get ready for the August bank holiday

Bank holidays can be busy times for the NHS - the next one is due on Monday 26 August. Unexpected injuries and illnesses can always happen but get to know where to go and you can find the help you need quicker. 

Your GP practice will be closed and may be busier than usual before and after the bank holiday. Lots of minor illnesses can be treated at home - for advice and information go to www.nhs.uk. To find the right health service for your symptoms, go to the ‘Get To Know Where To Go’ page on the NHS Greater Manchester website. And if you’re still not sure what to do, you can call NHS 111 or go to www.111.nhs.uk (over 5 years of age only). 

Your local pharmacy is also a great source of expert advice on a range of minor illnesses, but opening hours can change on bank holidays. Check which pharmacies are open in your local area on the ‘Greater Manchester Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours’ page on the NHS Greater Manchester website. Pharmacies can now provide prescription medicine for some conditions - without a GP appointment. For more information, go to the ‘Think Pharmacy First’ page on the NHS Greater Manchester website.

If you take regular medicines on repeat prescription, don’t forget to check how much you have at home. Pharmacies need two weeks to get your medicines ready so order early and make sure you have enough to last through the long weekend.

Your ‘just in case’ bank holiday contact list:

• Teeth: Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Service – call 0333 332 3800. Open 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Eyes: Greater Manchester Urgent Eye Care Service – go to www.primaryeyecare.co.uk/find-a-practice. Available all week, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Mental health: free 24/7 mental health crisis support helplines. 

1. Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford or Wigan: call 0800 953 0285
2. Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, or Tameside and Glossop: 0800 014 9995.