In this issue:

• Transport to medical appointments survey report
• SAFE Tameside
• Pharmacies which are open over Christmas and the New Year
• Paper newsletter
• Wellbeing calls
• COVID-19

If you have feedback about these topics, or any recent experiences about health or care services you think we should know about, give Healthwatch Tameside a call on 0161 667 2526. Or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk

If you want to give us your feedback via one of our surveys, please go to www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/share-your-views

Thank you.

Transport to medical appointments survey report

This is the third report in a series produced from recent surveys. We know that during the COVID-19 lockdowns, patient transport services were not operating. We wanted to find out whether people are now able to get to medical appointments when they need to.

You can read the report on our website at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/report/2021-12-16/transport-medical-appointments-survey-report-2021

SAFE Tameside

SAFE Tameside provide a place of safety for people experiencing mental distress or a crisis.  They offer immediate support in a safe environment, a ‘listening ear’, practical support and connection to relevant services, organisations and information as required. The team of peer supporters know what it’s like to be where you are now. They will listen to you and provide non-judgemental, emotional support. The service is provided by a collaborative of organisations; The Big Life Group, The Anthony Seddon Fund and Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind.

Over the Christmas period there are crisis drop ins available in the community. For details see  www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/getmedia/de86df5e-acb7-44a5-8468-7f8c974eff14/SAFE-Tameside-leaflet-Christmas-2021

Other organisations able to provide assistance can be found at www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/mentalhealthsupport/urgenthelp

Pharmacies which are open over Christmas and the New Year

Christmas Day – Christmas Day Substitute 27^th Dec - Boxing Day substitute 28^th Dec  – New Year’s Day substitute 3^rd Jan 2022

The list of Greater Manchester pharmacies which are open on official holidays from Christmas to New Year,  are now available on the GM LPC website at https://psnc.org.uk/greater-manchester-lpc/our-news/christmas-and-new-year-pharmacy-opening-hours/.  This is the most up to date listing, but may be subject to changes. 

Other pharmacies may be open, but have not notified NHS England GM office and are therefore not included in this list. Pharmacies have been advised to signpost patients to the next nearest available pharmacy or to 111, if they intend to close, and to publish their bank holiday hours on the NHS website.

All other dates (including 26^th December and 1^st January)  are normal working days, unless the pharmacy has been approved to close.

For more information about pharmacy services, see www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/news/bankholiday

Paper newsletter

We recently posted our paper newsletter to people on our distribution list, who have not shared an email address with us.

You can read a copy on our website at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/news/2021-12-17/healthwatch-tameside-newsletter

Minds Matter are offering wellbeing calls to people aged 16 + who are lonely and isolated due to COVID restrictions and Christmas holidays. This could be due to social issues such as housing, relationships and financial difficulties.

People aged over 16 who are resident in Tameside or Glossop are most suited to this service. Anyone who is struggling to cope with their mental wellbeing during COVID times or the Christmas holidays.

The number to ring for more information is 0161 470 6100.

The website for more information is www.thebiglifegroup.com/service/mindsmatter/

COVID-19

There are new measures in place to slow down the spread of the new Omicron variant. For up-to-date information about the latest rules and guidance see www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus

All adults are being offered booster jabs (at least 3 months after the second jab). First and second jabs are also available.

There are regular vaccination hubs around the borough, additional pop-up clinics and a vaccination bus. If you would like more information about the location and opening times for each, see www.tameside.gov.uk/covidvaccine.