Medical help on hand over festive holiday

As part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign the NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group is reminding people that pharmacists and telephone services can help people suffering with cold and flu like illnesses.

GPs are also urging people to take prescribed medicines as told and to pick up prescriptions before Christmas Eve.

Chairman of NHS North Kirklees CCG Dr David Kelly said: “Winter is an extremely busy time of year for NHS services, so we want to remind people that if they are ill to use the right services.”

Pharmacists can offer practical advice and many have private consultation rooms for confidential issues.

Calling 111 is an option if help is needed fast but it is not a 999 emergency. The free service is available 24hours a day, 365 days a year.

A walk-in centre is also based in the emergency department of Dewsbury and District Hospital, which opens from 9am-8pm on Monday to Friday and 10am-6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Dr Kelly said: “Make sure you have plenty of medical supplies in the house, for example some simple painkillers, a paediatric paracetamol mixture for children and an adequate supply of any regular medications you or your family are being prescribed by your doctor.”

To view local pharmacy opening times during the Christmas period , visit www.northkirkleesccg.nhs.uk/health-services/pharmacies