PATIENTS are being urged to plan ahead and get urgent medicines before Christmas.
Doctors from across Huddersfield are encouraging people to be prepared for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Dr Steve Ollerton, chairman of NHS Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “GP practices will be open as normal on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve but it’s important that people make sure they have enough medication to see them through the two bank holidays, or until their practice is open again.
“Some GP practices require 48 hours notice for prescription requests.”
During the winter months the NHS sees an increase in the number of people needing medical advice.
When a GP surgery is closed at weekends and on bank holidays medical advice is still available by calling the West Yorkshire Urgent Care Service on 0345 605 99 99.
GPs say patients should only call 999 for an ambulance or attend Accident and Emergency in cases of life-threatening or serious illnesses and injuries.
If a condition is not serious enough for A&E or 999, then people should call their GP practice or the Urgent Care service for advice.
Dr Ollerton added:Š“We are all looking forward to having a happy, healthy holiday period, however we encourage everyone to think ahead and be safe.
“Is the medicine cabinet well stocked with medicines for headaches, colds, vomiting or diarrhoea?
“Don’t forget you can also get health advice at your local pharmacy, many of which will be open over Christmas when other services may be closed.
“Pharmacies can help give advice on a range of symptoms including coughs, colds and emergency contraception.”
GP surgeries will close Christmas Day and Boxing Day and will re-open on Thursday December 27.
They will be closed once again on New Year’s Day.
For advice if you’re feeling unwell or to find your nearest open pharmacy over Christmas call NHS Direct 0845 4647.
