Be prepared and know what to do during the Christmas and New Year holidays

People across Suffolk and north east Essex are being urged to be prepared for the Christmas and New Year holidays to best look after their physical and mental wellbeing, and to know what to do should they feel ill.

• Some pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day (Monday Dec 25^th), Boxing Day (Tuesday Dec 26^th) and New Year’s Day (Monday Jan 1^st) and you can find the pharmacy nearest to you at – Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• GP practices will be closed on 25^th and 26^th December and 1^st January
• Mental health crisis support is accessible round-the-clock by calling NHS 111 and choosing the mental health option
• The NHS 111 service is available online and by ‘phone 24/7 for help and advice if you or a family member is feeling unwell. Online access is usually quicker and just as good as calling on your ‘phone – please use this first if you can
• COVID vaccination clinics are still taking place and everyone eligible is urged to take up the offer. Visit www.sneevaccine.org.uk for more information
• Flu vaccinations are still on offer and those eligible should contact their GP practice
• A local website has been created with lots of information to support your physical and mental wellbeing over winter – visit the Keep Well This Winter website –www.sneewellbeing.org.uk/winter
• Check you’ll have enough repeat prescription medicine to last over the holidays, remembering that GP practices will be closed for four consecutive days at Christmas and three over the new year, and that it takes at least 48 hours for your GP practice to process a repeat prescription request, which then needs at least the same time to be dispensed by the pharmacy.

Dr Andrew Kelso, Medical Director, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “Medical help and advice remains available throughout the holiday period and for anyone feeling unwell the first port of call should be NHS 111 by ‘phone and online or a visit to the local pharmacy for help and advice.

“The Christmas and New Year holidays are an incredibly busy time for the NHS and we are already seeing increases in the number of flu and COVID cases, which put additional strain on an already overburdened service. So, please get your COVID and flu vaccinations if you are eligible and haven’t already done so.

“Norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, is also very prevalent, as are colds. The regular washing of hands with warm water and soap is one of the best actions we can take to prevent the spread of germs.

“Being prepared is undoubtedly the best course of action, such as by having the medicine cabinet basics at hand to deal with indigestion, hangovers and winter coughs and colds.

“Make sure you have enough prescription medication to last over the holidays, bearing in mind it takes time for your GP practice to process a repeat prescription request and for your pharmacy to dispense.

“And do please consider those who are on their own at this time. Holiday periods can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Please spare some time to pop round to a relative, neighbour or friend who is on their own, or give them a call or text. It could give them a really good boost.”