Christmas and New Year can be a busy time, which makes it easy for people to miss checking on their medicine supplies. Hull and East Riding GPs are asking people to order repeat prescriptions early to make sure they have enough to tide them over the holiday period when some GP Practices and pharmacies are closed. To limit face-to-face contact at the present time people can download the NHS App to order their repeat prescriptions.
In addition, there are a number of things people can do to help themselves stay well this winter.
Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet
By keeping a medicine cabinet at home containing simple remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen and cough syrups, Hull and East Riding GPs say many people will be able to deal with short-term winter infections themselves without needing to see their GP.
Get the flu vaccination
Flu virus strikes every winter and it can be far more serious than people think. The flu vaccination is the best protection for people and those around them which is why it is offered for free to people who are more vulnerable including those most ‘at risk’, pregnant women and this year healthy 50-64 year olds. Adults at high risk from flu are also most at risk from COVID-19 and the free vaccine is more important than ever, to help protect the nation from a double threat this winter.
Visit the local pharmacist
For people with a minor health problem, the fastest way to get advice is through their local pharmacist. Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who can help with a wide range of issues from stomach bugs, to coughs and colds and aches and pains. Some pharmacies will be open over the Christmas holidays. The latest pharmacy bank holiday opening hours across Hull are available here and for East Riding of Yorkshire here. These times are subject to change so people should ring before attending.
Call NHS 111
For any urgent medical issue, call NHS 111 or go online to 111.nhs.uk they make is easier and safe for patients to get the right advice or treatment. Clinicians play an important role in the service and can assess patients and provide the advice they need over the phone without having to visit a physical service.
Visit an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)
Urgent Treatment Centres can treat minor ailments such as cuts, burns and suspected fractures, with no appointment necessary. Find out more about East Riding UTCs here and Hull UTCs here.
See a GP or healthcare professional
Some GP practices will be open over the holiday period however, how people contact their GP is currently different to limit face-to-face contact and stop the spread of COVID-19. People should call their surgery first to discuss a face-to-face or virtual (telephone or video) appointment.
A number of appointments are also available through access+ in Hull and Improving Access in the East Riding.
Call for mental health support
Mental health support will be available 24/7 over the Christmas and New Year period. To get support for your mental health, contact your GP or find the direct contact details for local services by following this link https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health and entering your age and postcode.
For life-threatening illnesses or injuries, people should continue to dial 999.
