HEALTH MATTERS
THE last thing anyone wants is to be ill over the festive period but sometimes it’s unavoidable.
If you do get poorly this Christmas, the NHS is here to help.
But the good news is that most winter ailments get better on their own and it’s possible for you to manage the symptoms effectively by following our self-care tips at www. easterncheshireccg.nhs. uk/Your-Health/ self-care-2.htm.
These videos should help you through, although the webpage has links to other services if you need them.
Your community pharmacy offers great advice on medicines to help you self-care while NHS 111 is available 24/7 by telephone or online if you need advice on an urgent medical need that’s not an emergency.
There’s generally no need to see your GP unless you have a medical problem that won’t go away.
Click here for our handy guide on how long you should wait for minor ailments to clear up before you seek medical help.
As GP practices and pharmacies have limited opening times at Christmas, it’s imperative to request repeat prescriptions from your practice at least two weeks before Christmas so your pharmacist has time to get them made up.
Also, make sure you have a fully-stocked medicine cabinet if you do happen to fall ill.
Although there will be a handful of pharmacies open on Christmas Day there may not be one near you and you may not be able to get there.
If you are unsure when your pharmacy is open please click here for the opening times.
If you do need to see your GP, practices are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.
Please call your local practice if you need an appointment outside usual hours at Christmas,
The receptionist will then give you the available times and locations.
Please note that your appointment may not be at your usual practice but will be somewhere nearby.
A&E and 999 should only be used if it’s a medical emergency or you’ve had a serious accident.
Examples of emergencies include uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness.
Finally, I’d like to thank all the healthcare professionals who keep the NHS running during the Christmas period and throughout the year, working tirelessly to look after us while many of us are enjoying the festivities.