Get to Know Where to Go: A Guide to Primary Care in Bury

Posted by: philippa - Posted on:

At The Uplands Medical Practice, we understand how confusing it can be to know where to turn when you or a loved one feels unwell. That’s why we’re sharing this helpful guide on Primary Care—the everyday healthcare available close to home.

Knowing where to go for your health concern can save you time, help you feel better sooner, and ensure NHS services are used efficiently.

🏥 What Is Primary Care?

Primary care is usually your first stop when you need medical help. It includes your local:

  • GP Practice (like ours)
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentist
  • Optician

These services support everything from minor illnesses to managing long-term conditions. You don’t always need to see a GP—other professionals may be better placed to help you.

💊 Visit Your Local Pharmacy First

Pharmacists are trained professionals who can help with:

  • Coughs, colds, sore throats
  • Tummy upsets and rashes
  • Minor infections like UTIs and impetigo
  • Emergency contraception
  • Blood pressure checks

You don’t need an appointment, and many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends. Learn more and find a pharmacy near you:

🔗 Find a Pharmacy – https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

👀 Opticians & Urgent Eyecare

Opticians are your first port of call for eye problems. Many offer the Greater Manchester Urgent Eyecare Service if you have:

  • Sudden changes in vision
  • Something in your eye
  • Eye pain or redness

📞 Call your optician to check if they offer this urgent service or visit:

🔗 Find an NHS Optician – https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-nhs-sight-test/location

😁 Dental Help When You Need It

Your GP can’t help with toothache! If you’re not registered with a dentist or need urgent care, call the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service on 0333 332 3800 (8am–10pm, daily).

🔗 Find a Dentist – https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

👩‍⚕️ When to Contact Your GP

Come to us at The Uplands for issues like:

  • Long-lasting coughs or sore throats
  • Repeated infections
  • Breast lumps or blood in urine/stool
  • Mental health concerns
  • Long-term condition reviews

We offer phone, face-to-face, and online appointments—evenings and weekends included.

📱 Use the NHS App to manage appointments, view records, and order prescriptions safely and conveniently.

🕐 Out-of-Hours Help

Need help when we’re closed? Call the practice and listen to the voicemail for out-of-hours GP services or dial 111 for urgent but non-emergency advice.

✅ Tips for Ordering Prescriptions

  • Order only what you need via the NHS App
  • Allow 2–3 working days (more around bank holidays)
  • Attend regular medication reviews

💷 Save on Prescription Costs

You may be eligible for:

  • Free prescriptions (children, pregnant people, low income)
  • Medical Exemption Certificates
  • Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPC)
  • HRT PPC

Check eligibility:

🔗 NHS Help with Health Costs – https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-help-health-costs

Need Help Navigating Primary Care?

If you’re unsure where to go or need help accessing care, please speak to our reception team. We’re here to help make things easier—whatever your situation.

📞 Call us: 0161 766 8221

🌐 Contact us online

Download PDF Booklet here…

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