Statement regarding adverse weather impact on services

Date published: 06 January 2010

NHS Bury is asking people in the borough to use health services wisely as Greater Manchester continues to experience severe weather conditions.

A spokesperson for NHS Bury said:

“Despite the severe weather and the impact this has posed on staffing services safely across the region, today GP and community services in Bury are largely unaffected. Both Walk in Centres in Bury and Prestwich are functioning as normal. Patients are advised to check availability before they travel if possible and to choose services wisely. All of our efforts are to ensure that essential services continue to function for those patients who need them most, and patients and the public are urged to only call 999 or visit A&E in an emergency, where there is a threat to life.”

Local people are being urged to make the most of the full range of NHS services. A&E departments should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation and there are other alternatives for advice and treatment, often without an appointment.

A range of common winter illnesses and minor injuries can often be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.
NHS Direct and NHS Choices offer information on all aspects of health care. Online (www.nhs.uk) you can check your symptoms and find telephone numbers and addresses for most local health services. Patients can also call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) for confidential health advice and information around the clock.
Local community pharmacies can provide advice on common winter illnesses and the best medicines to treat them.

At NHS Walk-in Centres you don’t need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced nurse. Bury’s Walk-in Centres are located in Bury (Moorgate Primary Care Centre, Derby Way, Bury) and Prestwich (Fairfax Road). Both are open from 7am until 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am until 10pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
For more information about health care services in Greater Manchester and impact of the weather, visit the Strategic Health Authority NHS North West online at www.northwest.nhs.uk

NHS Bury’s website can be accessed via www.bury.nhs.uk