As Christmas quickly approaches, NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding the people of 
Hull to ‘Stock up and Stay Well’ this winter.
Over the festive period many GP surgeries and local pharmacies will be closed, so it is important that people ensure they have enough medication to see them through Christmas, and use health services wisely if they fall unwell.
Dr Dan Roper, NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) chair said:
“If you take prescribed medicine regularly, please check you have enough to see you through Christmas and the New Year. It is important that prescribed medicine is taken as directed and doses are not missed.”
“If you or someone you know becomes unwell, or you run out of prescribed medicine, your local pharmacist can be an invaluable resource for quick advice, plus patients with a Hull GP can have minor illnesses treated under the Minor Ailment Scheme.”
Help and advice available to those requiring medical treatment includes:
- Self-care; use over the counter medicines to treat ailments such as coughs and colds.
- NHS 111; Call NHS 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for medical help and advice in non-emergencies. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
- Let’s Talk: If you feel depressed or anxious over the bank holiday period you can access talking therapies, 24 hours a day, through Let’s Talk by calling 01482 247 111 or texting TALK to 61825. Find out more, or book an appointment online by visiting letstalkhull.co.uk
- Pharmacies; your local pharmacist can offer advice for minor illnesses and help you decide how to best treat your symptoms. Not all pharmacies in Hull will be open over Christmas and the New Year, visit hullccg.nhs.uk/staywell or call NHS 111 to find out local pharmacy opening hours.
- Minor Ailments Scheme: if you do not pay for prescriptions or for children under 16 years old, your local pharmacist may be able to prescribe medicines free-of-charge without you having to see a Doctor. Ask at your local pharmacy for further details.
- Minor injuries units; visit your local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for injuries such as cuts, bites, sprains and scalds. You don’t need to be registered or to have an appointment. Bransholme Health Centre MIU will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day between 9am – 8pm.
- GP or a GP walk in centre; make an appointment with your GP if you have an illness or injury which won’t go away but which isn’t an emergency. Most GP surgeries will be closed over Christmas and the New Year, contact your GP directly to find out opening hours. Story Street Medical Practice will be open to registered and unregistered patients with or without an appointment, from 8am – 8pm over the Christmas bank holidays.
Further to this, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with long term health conditions are advised to seek advice from a medical professional as soon as they begin feeling unwell.
Dr Roper added:
“Christmas can be a busy and stressful time without the added complication of becoming unwell; if we familiarise ourselves with the appropriate services for our symptoms and ensure we are taking care of ourselves, we can all have a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year.”
Finally, calling 999 or visiting the Emergency Department should only be considered in emergencies and life-threatening situations such as, but not exclusively: loss of consciousness, acute confused state, fits, chest pain, breathing difficulties and severe bleeding. If you require emergency treatment call 999 or visit the Emergency Department immediately.
For more information please visit our website: www.hullccg.nhs.uk/staywell
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Across Hull and East Riding NHS professionals are asking individuals to ‘Stay Well this Winter’ by:
- Having the flu vaccination: If you’re eligible for the flu vaccination you should have it ASAP. It’s free because you need it.
- Knowing where to get medical treatment: seeking medical treatment and advice through the most appropriate service is imperative to ensure a strain is not put on emergency services.
- Keeping warm, keeping well and keeping in touch: The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) suggests homes are heated to a minimum of 18?c and can advise individuals and families on how to make sure they are getting all they are entitled to, for heating their homes*. By looking out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours we can all play a part in ensuring people in Hull keep well.
*Further info from CAB is available on www.hullccg.nhs.uk/staywell
- Stocking up on prescribed medication: people are reminded to pick up prescriptions of regular medication in plenty of time before Christmas and the New Year so they don’t run out when their GP is closed.
- Further details on all of the above is available on the NHS Hull CCG ‘Stay Well this Winter’ website: hullccg.nhs.uk/staywell
