Stay warm and stay safe this winter with NHS services

Whatever the weather throws at us this winter, and with the forecast remaining cold for at least the next week, it’s good to know that NHS services are available when you need them.

For most minor illnesses – including coughs, colds and other viruses – you’ll be able to treat yourself or members of your household with products you can buy from the pharmacy or the supermarket.

If you need advice, your local pharmacy is the perfect place to get it.  As the health experts on your local high street, they can offer advice, symptom relief and can now even provide prescription-only medicines for a range of common conditions.

If you need advice and guidance without needing to visit a health setting, NHS 111 provides online and telephone services which can help you to make decisions about what to do next.  They can also arrange for you to receive a call-back from the right health professional, or make an appointment for you at a convenient out-of-hours care provider.

Nicky Poulain, chief of primary care and executive lead for prevention at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“It’s important to know the range of NHS services which are available all year round and especially at this time of year, when minor illnesses are more common.

“Pharmacies are open almost every single day and it’s easy to use our online search to find one that’s open near to your home or work.  You’ll get the care and attention you need from a highly-trained NHS pharmacist.

“With NHS 111, you can often access the help you need at home – without needing to go outdoors when you feel rotten, especially if you feel you might have a bug that could spread to other people in a busy waiting room.”

The NHS 111 online service provides a quick and convenient way to get medical advice, with features such as symptom checkers, information on local services, and guidance on whether to seek further medical help.

Local people can also access mental health support by choosing option 2 when dialling NHS 111. The mental health service was launched in 2024 and is run by trained mental health professionals who can offer immediate help and support to those experiencing poor mental health.

They can also signpost people to face-to-face community support including recovery lounges, safe havens, or other services. The service is available 24 hour a day, seven days a week and ensures that people of all ages, including children, can get the help they need whenever they need it.

NHS 111 online can be accessed via the NHS website or via the NHS App, which you can download from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).