Health bosses at Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are reminding people to stock up for all your health needs over the Christmas and New Year period.
With the festivities fast approaching, check that you have the essentials such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, antiseptic cream, plasters and indigestion treatment at home.
All of these are available to buy without a prescription at a small cost from a pharmacy, supermarket and other stores. Your pharmacist will also be able to give you free advice on minor conditions and over-the-counter treatments.
If you have a regular prescription, make sure you have enough to cover the festive period and you collect it in advance, get someone to collect for you or if you have your prescriptions delivered, ensure you request your repeat prescription giving enough time for you to receive it.
GP practices in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will be closed on the following days:
- Christmas Day,
- Boxing Day
- Bank Holiday (Monday, 28 December) and
- New Year’s Day, but there are other services available.
For anyone who needs urgent medical help or advice call NHS 111 which is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it can be accessed online at 111.nhs.uk.
A number of pharmacies will be open for limited hours, on a rota on Christmas Day, Boxing Day (Monday, 28 December), New Year’s Day and the weekends. You can also download the NHS App to check symptoms, book GP appointments during normal opening hours, and request repeat prescriptions.
Dr Julian Povey, Chair of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG), said: “We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas and that’s why it is important that people think ahead and get in anything they may need to keep them healthy.
“Your local pharmacist can offer you free health advice without the need of an appointment, or if you are feeling unwell and need urgent health advice call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
“Remember we can all help look after ourselves by stocking up on the essentials to treat minor ailments at home.”
For pharmacy opening times in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin click here.
For more information on what you can do to stay well this winter, please visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell.
For further information and advice on self care, pop into your nearest pharmacy or visit: www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/health-advice/self-care.