The NHS in South Gloucestershire is advising local people to look after themselves this festive season with a few simple steps:
- stock up on over the counter remedies and any prescriptions;
- find out what local NHS services are open; and
- attend the one most appropriate for your needs.
Be prepared
Dr Chris Payne, Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire, said: “This is not an exciting message but nothing can ruin your festive season quite as quickly as a bout of illness.”
“Winter brings more coughs, colds and flu so it is a good idea to be prepared and to make sure you have paracetamol and other over the counter remedies to hand. If you need a regular prescription for a long term condition, please check now to make sure that you have enough to tide you over the holiday period.”
Where to go for what
If you or a member of your family does become ill over the festive period you will need to know the most appropriate place to go.
Dr Chris Payne said: “This is really important. By choosing the right facility for your needs you will cut down on the amount of time it takes to receive advice or treatment. A&E might be the first thing that springs to mind for some people but in fact there are many more appropriate services available over the Christmas period where you are likely to be treated much more quickly. You can ring your GP surgery or the out of hours service or visit the new GP-led health centre in Kingswood which is open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year.”
Juliette Hughes, Clinical Matron for the Accident & Emergency Department at Frenchay Hospital, said: “The A&E department at Frenchay Hospital is likely to be extremely busy over the Christmas period caring for people with serious conditions. In order to get the most effective help, members of the public should think about whether it is more appropriate to seek help from their GP or use one of the other health services such as NHS Direct, the GP-led health centre or the Minor Injuries Unit at Southmead Hospital which is open from 9am until 9pm every day of the year.”
Related link: Medical advice and pharmacy opening times for the 2009/2010 Chritsmas and New Year holiday period
