Get the care you need this Christmas

Most NHS services in the community will close for at least some of the Christmas period, but a senior local doctor has issued guidance on how patients can access care during this time.

Dr Ian Reckless, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, has reminded residents that in many cases, some simple steps in preparation can help you deal with minor conditions at home.  He said:

“Remember that your local pharmacy is an excellent source of health advice from trained, professional staff, who can recommend remedies for a wide range of illnesses and injuries.  You can walk in for instant help.  Some pharmacies will even be open on Christmas Day.

“If you think you may need to speak to a doctor or nurse or if you just want peace of mind, why not visit 111 Online and provide details of your symptoms.  They will direct you to the most appropriate place and can even arrange for someone to call you to get more details, if necessary.

“Please don’t go to A&E unless it’s a genuine emergency which threatens life or limb.  You can help us to ensure that care goes to those who most need it this Christmas and New Year.

“If you need a repeat prescription, please make sure you order it in plenty of time.  Most practices allow you to save time and effort by downloading the NHS App and ordering your repeat prescription from the comfort of your own home.  Nominate a local pharmacy and your medicines can be prepared, ready for you to collect.”

General practices

Your general practice is likely to be closed on some days, usually Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December), Boxing Day (Thursday 26 December) and New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1 January).  These are all public holidays.

Your practice will usually provide information, either on its website or answerphone message, about its opening hours at this time of year.  To find your practice’s website or phone number, please click here.

Pharmacies

A small number of pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day, but many will change their regular hours throughout the holiday period.  You can visit nhs.uk’s Find a Pharmacy page, search for your location and filter the results by ticking the box marked ‘Show only services open now’.

During this time, it may also be more difficult to get an appointment with your general practice.  You can prepare to care for yourself or loved ones by keeping a range of simple medicines and first aid supplies at home. Check the advice on nhs.uk on what you might keep in a first aid kit at home (and remember always to keep it locked and out of the reach of children!)

You may be able to get relief from your symptoms by talking to a local pharmacist, who can advise on managing lots of minor illnesses and injuries.  You can find your local pharmacy and its opening hours here.