Saddleworth Medical Practice

10/12/2025

❄️🤧 Flu levels are increasing locally and nationally.

Give yourself the best protection this winter — book your flu jab now!

Contact the Practice for an appointment.

07/12/2025

🌟 Don’t Wait Until Monday! Get Help When You Need It 🌟

Mondays are the busiest day of the week for GP surgeries — online forms we see a third more forms completed on a Monday compared to other days of the week.

Last week we had 758 online forms completed with requests for appointments and treatment. Part of our role is to signpost you to the correct service, this may be the Pharmacy, District Nurses, Cues the eye service, urgent care response team or other Community services.

We may also advise self care. Most coughs and colds are self limiting - they get better on there own and you dont need to see a Doctor or Clinician.

But here’s the good news… you don’t have to wait until Monday to get help. 🙌

🔍 Need medical advice? NHS 111 Online is here 24/7
NHS 111 online can:

🩺 Tell you what to do next based on your symptoms

💊 Direct you to pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, or self-care

⏰ Help you avoid the Monday rush

🏥 Send you to emergency care if needed

👉 Use it anytime — day, night, weekends.
👉 Don’t wait and worry. Get guidance instantly.

🏥 Where to Seek Help instead of waiting.

💻 NHS 111 Online: For urgent medical advice

💊 Pharmacies: For minor illnesses, rashes, coughs, bites, pain relief.

The pharmacy first scheme means pharmacies can now issue treatments for

✔️ Conditions Pharmacy First Can Help With:

🔥 Sore throat

👂 Ear infections (ages 1–17)

🤧 Sinusitis

🚑 Infected insect bites

😣 Shingles

🚽 Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – in women

💍 Impetigo & other minor skin infections

🆘 Urgent Treatment Centres: For sprains, minor breaks, wounds, infections

🚑 999: Only for life-threatening emergencies

💬 Let’s Make Mondays Easier
Using NHS 111 Online helps you get the right care fast — and helps GP teams prioritise the people who need them most. ❤️

Please share this post to help others get the right care at the right time. ➡️

🗝️ Final Thought
You don’t need to wait for Monday to get help.
NHS 111 Online is always open — so you’re never alone when feeling unwell. 🌙✨

For more information, check out the full NHS guidance here:

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18/11/2025

🌬️ Keeping Well During a Sudden Drop in Temperature ❄️

As the weather turns colder, we often see a rise in coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses. Most of these can be safely managed at home with self-care and advice from your local pharmacy.

💊 Think Pharmacy First
Your community pharmacist can provide expert advice and recommend treatments to help you feel better, often without needing to see a GP.

🧣 Top tips to stay well:
• Keep warm—layers, hats, gloves and scarves all help
• Stay hydrated
• Rest and eat nourishing meals
• Use over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu symptoms
• Seek help if your symptoms worsen or you’re not improving

💉 Winter Vaccines
Don’t forget your flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you’re eligible. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you this winter.

Stay warm, stay well, and remember we’re here to help 💙

Check on those that may be more Vulnerable in the cold weather.

17/11/2025

Imagine a world where common infections become life-threatening.

Antimicrobial resistance could make this a reality. We need to act now to Working

It’s going to take action from all of us – read more here: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/07/what-is-antimicrobial-resistance-amr-and-how-can-you-combat-it/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=stakeholder&utm_campaign=Andibiotic&utm_id=AMR25

15/11/2025

🌟 Going the Extra Mile for Our Community 🌟

Saddleworth Medical Practice cares for a high number of patients aged over 85 and frail older people compared to other GP practices, including over 161 housebound patients.

In response to the recent surge in flu cases, our Community Matron and Practice Nurse have been out in the community this Saturday morning (after working all week) delivering flu vaccinations to our vulnerable housebound patients in their own homes.

Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to protecting our most vulnerable patients is truly outstanding. 💙

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team for always going above and beyond.

Together, we keep Saddleworth healthy. 💉🏡

09/11/2025

Today we pause to remember and honour all those who served and sacrificed during times of conflict — especially the Nurses, Doctors, and Medics who showed extraordinary courage caring for the wounded in the most difficult conditions.

Their compassion and bravery saved countless lives, and their legacy continues to inspire everyone in healthcare today.

We will remember them. ❤️

07/11/2025

We are pleased to be able to support the Poppy Appeal this year. Thank you Alison Clowes for helping us obtain the poppies.

This display is at the front desk in Uppermill Health Centre.

Thanks for your generosity as we remember 🌹

12/10/2025

We are incredibly proud of you Dr Milne ❤️

🏃‍♂️ Dr Milne did it! 👏

Huge congratulations to Dr Milne, who smashed the Manchester Half Marathon with a brilliant time of 1:46:04! 🕒

He said it best himself:

> “Thanks for the msgs! Sunday morning brisk walk complete, 1:46:04. Think the endorphins have numbed the pain of parking at Old Trafford…” 😂

Dr Milne ran to raise funds for Defibrillators Save Lives, helping us continue to install and maintain a lifesaving defibrillator at Saddleworth Medical Practice ❤️⚡

If you haven’t yet, you can still support his amazing effort here 👇
🔗https://shorturl.at/GjOhv

From everyone at DSL — a massive thank you, Dr Milne. You’re officially a Heart Hero! 🙌