Advice for the festive winter season
During the festive winter month of December, East Basildon PCN is offering health advice to our patients.
We are supporting our patients to stay well during the festive period and over the bank holiday weekends. As we approach the festive period bank holidays, we are encouraging people to use health services wisely.
Key messages
It is important that you prepare for the Christmas bank holiday.
Remember to order your medications as early as possible.
Kindly note the following points:
- Order any repeat prescription medication that you need ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
- You should aim to order your medication no less than seven days before you run out.
- Many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday weekend, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice.
- It’s important to know how much medication you have left and plan in advance when you will need to order more to avoid a last-minute panic.
- If you are going on holiday or visiting family and friends over the bank holiday weekend, take your medication with you.
Bank holiday weekends
- The NHS is asking residents to choose services wisely over the bank holiday weekend and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to those that need it most.
- For urgent care, 111 online should be your first port of call for health needs
- If you’re unwell this bank holiday weekend, your local pharmacy may be able to help. Local pharmacists can provide some prescription medication if needed, without you needing to see your GP.
Know what to do if they need medical help this bank holiday weekend
The local NHS shares some simple hints and advice on keeping healthy and knowing where to go for medical support during the festive period.
With Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, many of us are focused on our big plans and spreading festive cheer. Although none of us want to get ill or need medical care, sometimes things don’t go the way we would like. To make sure you’re as prepared as you can be, the local NHS has put together some advice on how to handle any medical needs you might have.
Your community pharmacist will be happy to offer advice on essential medicines you should keep at home. By doing so, you will be best prepared to deal with minor illnesses and injuries. Some essentials include:
- Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhoea medicines
- Oral rehydration salts
- Indigestion treatments
- Antihistamines
- Plasters and bandages
- Thermometer
In addition, local pharmacies are now able to provide medicines for some conditions, if appropriate, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. These include:
- earache (for those aged between 1 and 17),
- impetigo
- infected insect bites
- shingles
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 years
Medication reminders
Remember to order prescription medications as early as possible ahead of the bank holiday as many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday weekend. You should order your repeat prescription at least seven days before you run out.
Using the NHS app for repeat prescriptions
Remember that you can easily order repeat prescriptions by using the NHS app.
If you do not already have the NHS app, you can download the app now by clicking on this link today.
If you are planning a trip or visiting relatives, make sure to take your medication with you. Bring extra just in case there are any delays getting home.
If you or a family member feels unwell you can use the 111 online symptom checker as a first port of call or you can also telephone 111 for more urgent health concerns. Both are available 24 hours a day.
Emergency lines are always open 24 hours a day for serious and life-threatening emergencies. In case of a mental health crisis, adults can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health at any time. Young people under 18 can call 0800 995 1000.
For more information visit: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/support/bank-holiday-services/
Be prepared for winter
During the winter period even after the festive season it is important to be prepared.
Have a look at our other post about being prepared for the winter by clicking on this link today.
