Useful information and advice to help you enjoy the Christmas 2010 season in South Gloucestershire.
Shop Opening Times
South Gloucestershire Rubbish Collections
Because of the way Christmas falls this year, there will be no change to your collection day. Everything will be collected on your published collection day as normal.
Please put your bin and/or recycling boxes out by 7am on the morning of collection day, with the lid fully closed.
Extra rubbish
As there is no change to your collection day, there will be no additional collection of extra rubbish put out by the side of your bin.
Bulky waste collection
There will be no change to bulky waste collection arrangements during the holiday period.
More information: Christmas arrangements for waste management (SGC)
SORT IT!* Centres (Household Waste Recycling Centres)
SORT IT!* Centres will be closed on:
- Saturday 25th December 2010
- Sunday 26th December 2010
- Saturday 1st January 2011
Bank holiday opening hours on:
- Monday 27th December 2010
- Tuesday 28th December 2010
- Monday 3rd January 2011
For all other times, the sites will be open as usual (opening times).
Festive Advice from NHS South Gloucestershire
NHS Direct
NHS Direct is a 24-hour service that offers advice about what to do if you are feeling unwell. The telephone services on 0845 4647 offers confidential health advice and information 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists are qualified to give free health advice and help with everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about choosing the right medicine and help you to decide whether or not you need to see your GP.
More info: Opening times of pharmacies in South Gloucestershire over the Christmas 2010 period
GPs
Frendoc and Brisdoc are the out of hours GP services that operate from 6.30pm-8am Monday-Friday, all weekends and bank holidays. This service is provided by GPs and nurses who can offer telephone advice, face-to-face consultations, or home visits for patients who are housebound. This service is available for treating conditions that cannot wait until your GP surgery reopens. Ring your usual surgery where you will be given instructions or diverted to the out of hours service, or ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
GP led health centre
The GP led health centre in Kingswood is open from 8am to 8pm 7 days per week including bank holidays. You do not need to be registered at the health centre – you can use the services offered at the centre as well as your GP surgery. You can use the centre by walking in or phoning to make an appointment.
The Orchard Medical Centre
Macdonald Walk
Kingswood
Bristol
BS158NJ
Tel. 0117 9805100
Minor injury units (MIUs)
For minor injuries such as wounds, sprains and broken bones there is a minor injuries unit at Southmead Hospital, which is open 9 am to 9pm everyday including Christmas Day. It treats wounds, sprains, strains, some broken bones, minor head injuries and other similar conditions.
There is also a minor injuries unit in Yate at the West Gate Centre.
More info: Opening times of MIUs in South Gloucestershire over the Christmas 2010 period
Accident and emergency (A&E)
You should go to your local accident and emergency (A&E) department if you need emergency care for a serious injury, or illness – for example, if you are experiencing breathing difficulties, blood loss, or if you suspect that you have a broken bone. A&E departments are usually open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In an emergency you should dial 999 to ask for an ambulance.
Unless you need emergency medical attention, it is best not to go to your local A&E. A&E doctors and nurses are equipped to deal with serious medical cases, not routine and minor ailments.