A senior GP in Sheffield is encouraging the public to choose the right service if they are ill this Christmas.
A lot of common and minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs can be treated in your home by using over the counter medicines. Your local pharmacist can help and advise on the best treatment, they can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor. There are a number of pharmacies open across Sheffield over the festive period.
If you need to see a GP when your practice is closed, you can access the GP out-of-hours service. There are a range of NHS urgent and routine healthcare services available on weekday evenings and at weekends through six ‘hubs’ across Sheffield, including on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. You can book appointments for these services through your usual GP practice or by contacting NHS 111 when your GP practice is closed.
Walk-in services treat minor illnesses and injuries that do not need a visit to A&E. The Broad Lane Walk In Centre is open from 8am to 10pm every day, including Christmas day, and sees people of all ages without an appointment.
The Minor Injuries Unit, at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital is open from 8am – 8pm every day of the year (except Christmas Day) and provides treatment for adults with less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes. Many people go to A&E with minor injuries, when they could usually be treated much more quickly at the Minor Injuries Unit. This is a walk in service, you do not need an appointment.
Dr Zak McMurray, Sheffield GP and Medical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “We hope everyone has a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year but if you do get ill there are a number of health services available for less serious conditions and injuries.
“It’s important to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home to deal with minor illnesses and accidents. Your pharmacist can help to advise the best medicines and when to use them. Please also ensure that if you take regular medication you have enough to see you through the Christmas period.
“If you or your family are ill and you’re not sure what service to use, please call NHS 111. This free phone service can give you advice about which NHS services are open and able to help you with your problem. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“Please remember that A&E is for serious and life threatening emergencies only, but of course if it is an emergency visit the Northern General Hospital for over 16s and Sheffield Children’s Hospital for 16s and under.”
For more information and for a list of pharmacies that are open over Christmas visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/staywell.