Oldham GP - 'remember to choose the right care this winter'

Choosing the right care for you and your family is an important part of everyone’s healthcare routine this winter, according to Oldham’s Chief Clinical Commissioning Officer, and as temperatures start to dip there’s lots you can do to make sure you stay healthy.

Stocking up on over the counter remedies, getting a flu jab, making sure the heating is set and working properly, shopping for healthy, nourishing foods and choosing the right type of healthcare when it’s needed are all key to ensuring a healthy, happy new year for yourselves and your loved ones.            

And getting the right health advice at the right time is now even easier, says Dr John Patterson, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Oldham CCG, part of the Oldham Cares health and social care alliance, and GP at Hilltop Practice in Fitton Hill.

He said: “Your local pharmacy is your fastest route to care, and you can visit them at the first sign of illness.

"These over the counter medical experts can help stop conditions like a cough or cold from getting worse, and many are open round the clock, meaning that people have even more access to healthcare advice during the evenings and at the weekend.”

And with the online version of the NHS 111 service, now available in Oldham, the website at www.111.nhs.uk can help you access on-the-spot, immediate healthcare advice on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

The online assessment process takes about three minutes to complete.

Dr Patterson added: “Online advice can be really good in the first instance when it comes to self-care, try visiting https://oldhamcares.com/2018/12/21/stay-well-this-winter/ or www.nhs.uk/staywell for helpful tips and advice.

"These sites give you the option to locate your nearest pharmacy and you can also read specific information on how to look after yourself if you’re over 65, pregnant, a parent, a carer, or have a long-standing health condition.”

Recent changes to GP services mean that practices across Oldham are offering more out-of-hours GP appointments throughout the winter.

So wherever you live in the Borough, you’ll be able to get an evening or weekend appointment with a doctor or health professional in your local area (this may not be at your own GP but at a neighbouring hub).

Visit: http://www.gmhsc.org.uk/moregphours and click through to your locality, or you can also call your local practice and ask for more information.

As temperatures begin to drop, keeping warm this winter is really important when it comes to staying healthy, and doing so will help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Cold weather can be harmful.

Heat your home to at least 18°C.

People should also look out for their family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable over winter.

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