Hull: Winter Health advice – Be ready for Christmas

It’s time for a quick winter health update. Once again we are sharing these tips with Community contacts to ask for your help in keeping our neighbourhoods, friends and relatives healthy this winter.
It’s important to get this vital information to as many people in Hull as possible. Please can you share the information below with anyone who may benefit within your community. 

Don’t get caught without your regular medication this Christmas

GPs in Hull are reminding people to pick up their repeat prescriptions before the Christmas bank holiday.   

Dr Dan Roper, chair of the CCG, commented: “Many GP surgeries and pharmacies will close for the holiday season, so it’s important for people who rely on regular medication to make sure they have ordered enough to last.”

Many common ailments like headaches, heart burn and colds can be treated in the comfort of your own home. Stocking your medicine cabinet can help if someone starts to feel ill over the Christmas break.

Pharmacists are fully qualified to give advice on the best course of action to take should people start to feel unwell. You can see a pharmacist for a range of problems including coughs, colds, skin conditions, aches & pains and stomach complaints. They may offer you over-the-counter remedies and will be able to advise on medicines that are safe to use with any other medications you are already taking.

In a pinch? Some pharmacies will remain open over Christmas. See a full list here.

Know where to go for help over Christmas

Would you know where to go if you or someone you love required medical care over the Christmas bank holiday?

Pharmacies are a great port of call to help you tackle many common ailments. From coughs and indigestion to rashes; your pharmacist will be able to advise.

If you’ve had a mishap the Bransholme Urgent Care Centre (UCC) provides 24 hour care, every day of the year, for minor injuries such as minor fractures, sprains, strains, cuts, bites and mild burns. People in need of immediate treatment, who are not in a life-threatening situation, can be seen quickly and effectively at the centre.

If you need medical treatment, but it’s not an emergency, please book an appointment with your regular GP. Check your GP’s website for Christmas opening hours.

If you need to see a GP with something that can’t wait till the next day there is a Walk-In Service at Story Street Medical Centre. Over the Christmas break the service will run from 8am-8pm every day, including Christmas Day.

For people who are still unsure where to go then they should ‘Talk before you walk’ and call NHS 111, a free to call 24/7 service that offers expert guidance and can advise where to go for medical help.

Finally, please remember that A&E is for serious stuff.                                     

For more local information and advice on how to stay well over winter visit www.staywellthiswinter.co.uk