Posted on: 10 December 2024
With the Christmas and New Year bank holidays around the corner, the NHS in West Yorkshire is reminding people that now is the time to get prepared as NHS services are expected to be busier than ever, with many pharmacies and GP practices to close as usual.
Winter is a busy time for NHS services, and this year hospitals across the country are already tackling a significant increase in demand. The upcoming bank holidays will likely mean services become even busier. By being prepared in advance, you’ll help keep services available for those who need them most.
There are three bank holidays coming up: Christmas Day and Boxing Day on the 25 and 26 December, and New Year’s Day on 1 January. During these bank holidays, most GP practices and pharmacies will be closed, although appointments with GPs and other healthcare professionals will still be available for urgent issues.
Appointments must be pre-booked by calling your own GP practice or by using NHS 111 online or calling 111. The appointment may not be at your usual GP practice.
It’s therefore important to check your prescription medication and ensure you have enough to last over the bank holiday period. If you need to order more, request your repeat prescriptions, and collect them in plenty of time. You can do this via the NHS App, or find guidance on how to order a repeat prescription on the NHS website.
If you urgently need medication when your own GP or pharmacy is closed, there’s information about how you can get medicines out of hours on the NHS website.
For most people, winter bugs such as colds, flu and COVID-19 will get better on their own with plenty of rest and fluids at home. You can take paracetamol and cold and flu tablets to ease your symptoms and make yourself more comfortable. In some cases, people may experience more serious symptoms and should visit NHS 111 online or call 111 in the first instance for advice.
Don’t let yourself get caught out during the festive season if you do find yourself under the weather. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with antiseptic cream, paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration solutions. If you have young children, consider anything specific they might need too such as a thermometer and a liquid form of paracetamol.
For some, the festive season can be particularly challenging for their mental health, but don’t wait until you’re in a mental health crisis to seek support. You can now be signposted to relevant mental health services via NHS 111 online or by calling 111. Make sure to check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours who may be feeling isolated over the winter period.
Remember, if your condition is life or limb threatening, call 999 immediately or visit your local Emergency Department (A&E).
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “NHS staff will be working incredibly hard over the festive period and many will be working during the bank holidays to keep people in West Yorkshire safe and well. You can ease the pressure on our services and staff by making sure you are prepared, particularly by ordering any prescriptions you may need in good time.
“If you need urgent medical help during the bank holidays, the NHS is here for you. But if you are not in an emergency situation, I’d advise using NHS 111 online or calling 111 first to make sure you find the right service and keep our emergency services free for those who are most severely unwell.”