Local NHS leaders offer tips for a healthy Christmas
The 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 during the Christmas and New Year period.
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Lead at the ICB, said “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."
Tips to staying well include:
•People who rely on regular medications are advised to order their prescriptions ahead of time.
•Being prepared with items like paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion tablet and cold and flu remedies.
•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.
•Talk before you walk: use NHS 111.
•Urgent mental health need: 24-hour advice and support
•Urgent mental health help – emergency support is available by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
•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.
•With record numbers of flu cases across the country the NHS is 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.
•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.