Doctors say “get the most out of your NHS this Christmas”
 |
Doctors are urging people in Devon to use the NHS wisely and not let injury or illness spoil their Christmas.
Choosing the most appropriate NHS service means people will get more effective advice and treatment over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
GP practices and many pharmacies are closed from 24 – 27 December and again from 1 – 2 January. Opening times can usually be found on the front door or window of the pharmacy or GP practice, or alternatively you could check their website.
Dr David Jenner, a GP from Cullompton, urged people to stock up on medicine and not get caught out by the holidays.
“There are a number of steps you could take to make sure you are prepared for the Christmas and New Year holidays, when GP surgeries are closed,” he said.
“You should request any repeat prescriptions in good time and, if you are away for a holiday or weekend break, it’s important that you take enough medicine with you.
“Stock up your medicine cabinet with over the counter remedies for ailments such as headaches, colds or flu, and ensure you have remedies for children.
“Some suggestions for your medicine cabinet include plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes, safety pins, sterile gloves, scissors and tape, a thermometer, painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen, cough medicine and anti-diarrheal medicines.
“It is also worth checking the opening times of local pharmacies and GP surgeries over the festive period, as some are open until 6pm.”
Tracey Polak, NHS Devon’s consultant in public health, said over the festive period there is usually a large increase in the number of people who make calls to emergency services and the Devon Doctors out-of-hours service.
“This creates a problem for people who have an urgent need for these services,” she said.
“If you are in doubt over where to get treatment it is advisable to contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 as this could save time spent in waiting rooms.
“It is also worth bearing in mind that pharmacies provide a range of health services, including medication for common complaints like coughs, colds, aches and pains and other health issues, such as healthy eating, sexual health and giving up smoking.
“You don’t need to make an appointment and a pharmacist can offer advice on how you can manage these conditions.”
For general health advice you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or go online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. NHS Direct operates a 24-hour health advice and information service, providing confidential information. You can also download a free app for your smartphone to access the NHS Direct symptoms checker on the move - http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/News/LatestNews/MobileAppLaunch
If you have an urgent medical problem that cannot wait until your surgery reopens you can call Devon Doctors the out-of-hours service for Devon. Your details will be taken and a clinician will ring you in order to provide the appropriate advice or treatment. Out-of-hours, Devon Doctors can be contacted on 0845 6710 270.
Patients that require urgent dental care outside of normal working hours should contact 01392 823 682.
However, if it is an emergency you should not hesitate to call 999 immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.
