NHS chiefs urge communities to plan ahead for Christmas

Doctors said those needing repeat prescriptions should ensure they have enough to get them through the extended four-day Christmas bank holiday weekend.

They also said that by checking and restocking basic medicine cabinet essentials, the public can help limit the pressure on all NHS services.

People are also urged to closely follow the COVID-19 restrictions for their area to help limit the spread of the virus at what is always a busy time.

While they said anyone with coronavirus symptoms must arrange to be tested and should stay at home.

And they said if people need medical attention over the Christmas holiday, they can access a number of NHS services.

North West GP Dr Sangeetha Steevart said: “Taking simple steps to think ahead and prepare for the long Christmas weekend will help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe.

"This has been an extraordinary year for us all and although there is now a Covid-19 vaccine being rolled out, our hospitals are still looking after a lot of Covid patients.

“By making sure you have the right medicines at home, and by using the NHS sensibly, you can help us make sure we are always there for those with the most severe illnesses or injuries.

"No-one wants to end up having to see a doctor at Christmas, so I urge everyone to plan ahead so minor illness at home doesn’t become more serious and also to please follow all the latest coronavirus restrictions for their area.”

Steps people can take include calling their usual GP surgery number to be put through to the out of hours GP service available over Christmas or contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 for advice.

Lists of NHS services open over the Christmas holidays, including pharmacies and GP surgeries, are available on local council websites.

Pharmacists can also help with health conditions such as coughs, colds, asthma, upset stomach, eczema, hay fever and period pain. They can give advice or medicines that can help clear up the problem.

Residents should search nhs.uk for advice about treatment without visiting a GP or making a phone call

Anyone who needs help for an urgent – but not serious or life-threatening – medical condition, should contact NHS 111 first before going to an emergency department.

If people need to go to hospital, NHS 111 can book them a timed slot at an emergency department or urgent treatment centre, or another suitable centre.

Contacting NHS 111 in advance means the NHS can keep everyone waiting in an emergency department safe.

Winter check list

Check your home medicines cabinet – is everything in date? Restock with essentials including cold remedies, pain killers, indigestion tablets and diarrhoea and constipation remedies

Make sure you have a well-prepared first aid kit to help treat minor cuts, sprains and bruises, and reduce the risk of cuts becoming infected. It should contain bandages, plasters, larger sterile dressings, a thermometer, antiseptic wipes or solution, eyewash solution, medical tape and tweezers.

Keep up to date with any repeat prescriptions you or your family or friends need

If you or someone you look after is in an at-risk group – don’t forget to book a flu vaccination

Look out for any vulnerable family or friends – is there anything you can do to help them?

Wear appropriate shoes when outside especially during icy weather. We typically see an increase in slips and trips during colder spells

Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer

Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and reduce drafts – if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable

Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so

Wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer

You should only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening or serious emergency

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ...