Health leaders in Humber and North Yorkshire are urging residents to ‘Get ready for Christmas’. With the upcoming Christmas bank holidays, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is advising everyone to take proactive steps to ensure they are prepared and know where to get the best most appropriate advice if they need it.
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Lead at the ICB, commented: “We want everyone to have a healthy and safe time over Christmas and to keep doing the things they love like seeing family and friends. Planning ahead can save time and make sure you have everything you need especially as many GP practices will be closed and pharmacy opening hours may change.
“If you’re taking regular medication, it starts with making sure you’ve got your repeat prescription ordered in good time, so you’re not left short. In the run-up to Christmas and New Year, pharmacies are very busy, and processing times can take a little longer than normal.
“The quickest and easiest way to order repeat medicine is via the NHS App – you can do this 24/7 from the comfort of your own home, without having to leave the house.
“Before you order repeat prescriptions, do check what medicines you already have at home and only order the items that you need.
“You can also prepare for the Christmas period by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, with common remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen and anti-diarrhoea tablets – just in case you need them.
“If you do become unwell and need advice or help, pharmacies can deal with many minor ailments. If you feel it’s something a little more serious – including dental emergencies – NHS 111 will help direct you to the help you need. You can call 111 or search NHS 111 online.
“We would never discourage anyone from coming forward to seek help when they’re unwell, but we would ask people not go to A&E unless it’s a genuine life and limb emergency. A&Es tend to be very busy over public holidays and we want to ensure critical services aren’t being taken up by people with minor illnesses who could easily get help or treatment elsewhere.”
And, with record numbers of flu cases across the country we are urging those eligible for a flu vaccination to get booked in using the national booking service – its not too late and you will be doing your bit to protect yourself and loved ones over the festive period.
Top 10 Christmas Bank Holiday tips to staying well
- Prescriptions: order in good time
People who rely on regular medications are advised to order their prescriptions ahead of time. Ordering prescriptions in advance ensures that medications are available when needed, preventing any interruptions in treatment during the bank holiday weekend.
- Self-care: stock your home medicine cabinet with over-the-counter remedies
Being prepared with items like paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion tablet and cold and flu remedies.
- Think Pharmacy First: visit your nearest pharmacy for minor ailments
When you’re not feeling your best, your local pharmacy is here to help. Expert pharmacists can give you fast, trusted advice on a wide range of common health concerns with no appointment needed. Click here to find your local pharmacy’s opening hours.
- Talk before you walk: use NHS 111
NHS 111 – online, over the phone or via the NHS App – is free to use and will help connect you with the right care over the Christmas holidays if you do become unwell. They may suggest visiting a local pharmacy, or if it’s something a little more serious they may direct you to your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre or GP out-of-hours service.
- Let’s Get Better: find the right care
If you do become unwell over the Christmas period , you can visit the dedicated winter page on the Let’s Get Better website for information about health services you can access. The website also offers information on self-care and how to treat minor illnesses, including an ‘ask an expert’ section.
- In an emergency: call 999
In medical emergencies that could be life or limb-threatening, such as a heart attack, stroke, severe blood loss, or choking, please do not hesitate to call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Run out of medicine: call 111 of visit a pharmacy
If you have run out of prescribed medicine and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply, including out of hours. You can call NHS 111 to discuss your options – or visit a pharmacy. Pharmacies can provide certain emergency medicines to patients even if they don’t have a prescription, though you may need to pay.
- Urgent mental health need: 24-hour advice and support
You may need urgent help for many reasons. The important thing to know is you will not be wasting anyone’s time. Emergency support is available by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
- Seeing a dentist: in an emergency or out-of-hours
If you need dental treatment in an emergency, contact your dental practice if you are registered. If you are not registered with a dentist, contact NHS 111. If you’re in pain while waiting to see a dentist, take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. NHS 111 can also offer other self-care advice. Only go to A&E if you have:
- heavy bleeding
- injuries to your face, mouth, or teeth
- severe swelling, or increasing swelling of your mouth, lips, throat, neck or eye
- Download: get the NHS App
The NHS App gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services. Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App store.