Post: Get The Right Help This Festive Period.

Get The Right Help This Festive Period.

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If you’re injured or taken ill over the Christmas and New Year period, there are many options available in Havering, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, to help you get the care you need, when and where you need it.

The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS. To allow everyone to get the treatment and advice they need, it is important to remember that people should only use A&E when they require emergency treatment.

Dr Atul Aggarwal, a local GP and chair of NHS Havering Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:
“There are lots of ways to get advice and treatment over Christmas and New Year period. Choosing alternatives to A&E allows emergency departments to concentrate their efforts on those who really need it.”

As well as knowing where to go for treatment, it is also important to make sure you are prepared. If you have a long-term health condition, make sure you are prepared for the upcoming bank holidays by requesting any repeat prescriptions that you might need. It is also helpful to keep your medicine cabinet at home stocked up with supplies in case you need them.

Consider the following options this festive period; 

Pharmacy: Many common illnesses such as coughs or colds can be easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy. Your pharmacist can offer advice on how to best look after yourself at home with rest and over-the-counter treatments. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacists have private consultation areas. Visit nhs.uk to find a pharmacy near you. There are a number of pharmacies in the local area that are open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. 

NHS 111 – Call the free NHS 111 number to access clinical support and assessment at any time of day or night. The improved 111 service has GPs, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists giving urgent advice over the phone. If you need to be seen, they will be able to direct you to the best service.

Evenings and weekends: Same day, urgent appointments are available every weekday evening between 6.30pm and 10pm, and between 8am and 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These appointments can be booked by calling your own GP practice as usual during working hours, calling the booking line directly on 020 3770 1888, or by calling NHS 111. The GP Hubs in Havering are: North Street Medical Care in Romford, RM1 4QJ, and Rosewood Medical Centre in Hornchurch, RM12 5NJ. Anyone registered with a GP in Havering can book an appointment.


NHS website: Visit the NHS website to find services near you, A-Z guide and advice how to look after yourself and your loved ones over winter.

 


Remember, for life-threatening emergencies, you should always call 999 immediately.


For more information see www.nhs.uk/staywell for more information on how to help you and your family to stay well this winter.