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Oldham residents who need to speak to NHS Greater Manchester now have a single, clearly sign-posted route for every kind of query, from mental health crises to requests for their own medical records. The authority has published a plain-speaking contact guide that sets out which door to knock on, what to expect, and how long a reply should take.

For urgent mental health help, the instruction is simple: ring 111, press 2, and you will be transferred straight to the mental health team. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use SignVideo or the 18001 text relay prefix. If the situation is life-threatening, the guide reminds callers to use 999 or A&E instead.

Day-to-day questions about GP services, complaints or compliments can be raised through the 'You and Your General Practice' scheme. Patients can speak first to their practice manager; if that feels uncomfortable, they can email the local Integrated Care Board or Oldham's Healthwatch branch. Corporate queries-board papers, finances, committee decisions-go to a dedicated corporate desk open 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0161 357 1598.

Anyone wanting to see personal data held by NHS GM can make a free 'subject access' request. The organisation must respond within one month and will withhold details only if release might cause serious harm or breach third-party privacy. GP records are supplied by the practice itself; hospital notes come directly from the hospital that provided treatment.

Freedom-of-information requests must be written, carry the words 'Freedom of Information' in the subject line, and be sent either by post to the Oxford Street office or by email to [email protected]. Out-of-hours media calls are fielded on 07815 655 213. The guide does not explain which 'serious harm' test is applied when records are withheld, leaving that judgement open to individual case review.