HEALTH & WELLBEING: Do you know where to go for health advice this Christmas? Stay well be choosing the right care, first time

Health services across Rotherham experience extreme pressure at Christmas, however help is at hand for those who need it. Several Rotherham pharmacies will be open when other health services and shops are closed over the Christmas and New Year holidays if you need to buy over-the-counter medicines because you’re unwell.

Remember, your local pharmacist is a mine of useful health care information if you’re feeling under the weather. They are highly qualified to give advice on a wide range of common health problems and the best medicines to treat them. They prescribe from a range of medications so you don’t even have to go to your doctor for some things.

There will be pharmacies open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Opening times for pharmacies across Rotherham can be viewed on the NHS Rotherham CCG website at www.rotherhamccg.nhs.uk

The 24 hour helpline, NHS 111, is open throughout Christmas to provide advice when you are feeling ill. If you urgently need to see a doctor on bank holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) or when your practice is closed NHS 111 can arrange for an appointment with an out-of-hours doctor.

Most ailments and illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains can be self-treated at home with a well-stocked medicines cabinet. NHS 111 and pharmacists are highly qualified to give advice on a wide range of common health problems and the best way to treat them. However, if symptoms are severe and won’t go away then there are doctors available when your own practice is closed to provide advice.

At this time of year most people, especially children, get coughs and colds, however pharmacists can prescribe free oral paracetamol. The best way to look after someone with a cold or cough is to make sure they have plenty to drink and if they have a temperature, paracetamol will help. You do not need to visit a doctor, instead if the symptoms persist you should contact your pharmacy to get the right medicine for your illness.

With one in four adults developing mental health problems in any one year, Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. It’s important to know that there is always someone to talk to. If you need urgent help please call the crisis team on 01709 302670 or the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24 hour support.

Local GP practices will be open as normal, 8am - 6.30pm, up to Monday 24th December. They will re-open on Thursday 27th December through to Friday 28th December, also opening on Monday 31st December 2018.

If you are on regular medication, check that you have what you need to see you through the festivities. If not, order a repeat prescription from your GP practice well before the festive break.

Appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professionals are now available for all Rotherham people in the evenings and weekends across Rotherham. The receptionist at patients’ own practice can book an appointment and advise where to attend. 

Choosing the right treatment over the next couple of weeks will help patients get better quicker and help clinicians to help those in most need of medical attention.