Many of us are preparing for Christmas – making lists, going shopping and organising festivities, writes Dr Jonty Heaversedge…
It’s also important to make preparations for looking after your health this holiday season. Here are a few tips to help you know where to go and what to do if you are unwell during the Christmas break.
If you take prescribed medication regularly, make sure you have enough supplies to last over the holiday time and get requests for repeat prescriptions into your GP as soon as possible. Requesting online is easy and available to all, you can also ask for your prescription to go straight to your pharmacist so the only place you need to visit is the pharmacist to collect
The best place to start for health care advice or remedies is a local pharmacy. They can advise on treatments for symptoms of winter illnesses and other common conditions. They can also give flu jabs. Remember, in most cases a GP will not prescribe antibiotics for illnesses such as coughs and colds.
Pharmacies are open every day over the holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Information about pharmacy opening times will be available on our CCG website, www.southwarkccg.nhs.uk closer to the Christmas break.
If you’re working or busy during the day, don’t forget that if you do need to see a GP over Christmas, appointments are available from 8am to 8pm every day including evenings and weekends. Contact your surgery as normal.
If you need care urgently, call NHS 111. And finally, please choose wisely and remember that Accident and Emergency Departments are for life-threatening conditions and serious illnesses and injuries.
Wishing all Southwark residents and patients a happy and healthy festive time.