The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people to plan in advance and take some simple steps that might help avoid a few festive perils:
- Be prepared – make sure you get any prescriptions and medicines you might need before the holiday season starts
- Don’t forget to order your regular prescriptions in advance and make sure you collect enough medication to last throughout the festive period
- Remember to take your prescribed medication with you if you are visiting family or friends
- If you do run your of your normal prescribed medicines, most community pharmacies can help if you need an urgent prescription
- Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, with medicines such as paracetamol which can treat a number of everyday illnesses
- If you are ill or injured and are not sure where to turn, visit asapglos.nhs.uk, download the ASAP Glos NHS App free from your App store, call NHS111 or visit the pharmacy for advice
- Take early action – seek advice from your local pharmacy if you have a long term health condition and are starting to feel unwell before it gets more serious. Further advice can be found at: nhs.uk/staywell.
- Find Christmas/New Year pharmacy opening hours at: www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/your-services/pharmacists/
- Use Emergency Services wisely – call 999 only when it’s a serious injury or a life threatening situation such as unconsciousness, heavy loss of blood, severe chest pain or stroke
GP and Quality Lead with the CCG, Dr Charles Buckley, said:
“The key thing to remember before the Christmas and New Year break is to plan in advance and ensure you and your family are well prepared for all eventualities.
By following the simple steps published here, you will get the holiday period off to a good start and know where to look for advice should the need arise.”
To find your nearest pharmacist, including details of opening hours over the festive and New Year period see here, or visit www.asapglos.nhs.uk.