People in Coventry and Warwickshire are being encouraged to ‘know where to go’ for healthcare in case they are taken ill or injured.
Winter is one of the busiest times of the year for local GP practices and hospitals. To ensure everyone can receive the care and treatment they need, it is important to remember there are a number of ways to get advice and support from the NHS.
This includes visiting your local pharmacy for help treating coughs, colds and other minor ailments, and calling NHS 111 free if you need health advice urgently.
It is also advisable to keep your medicine cabinet stocked to help you deal with any minor health issues.
If you have a long-term health condition, you should ensure you prepare for the upcoming bank holidays by requesting well in advance any repeat prescriptions you might need.
Over the festive period, people in Coventry and Warwickshire have a number of healthcare options:
NHS 111 service – If you need medical help fast, but your condition is not life threatening, you can call NHS 111. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays, the freephone number is staffed by trained advisors and experienced clinicians who can assess you, offer advice and direct you to the right place to get the medical care you need as quickly as possible.
Pharmacy – Many common illnesses such as coughs or colds can be best and most easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy where you seek help without having to make an appointment. Your pharmacist can offer advice on how to look after yourself at home with rest and over-the-counter treatments. Detailed, up-to-date information about which pharmacies will be open over the Christmas and New Year period is available here.
GP Extended Access - Many practices in Coventry and Rugby now offer GP and Nurse appointments in the evening and at weekends. This means you will be able to see a GP or practice nurse at a time which is most convenient for you. To book an appointment or find out more, please speak to your practice receptionist. Further information is available from the Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group.
Walk-in and Urgent Treatment Centres - NHS Urgent Treament, Minor Injuries and Walk-in Centres give you fast access to health advice and treatment from experienced health professionals on a range of minor illnesses and injuries, including minor cuts and wound care, muscle and joint injuries, strains and sprains, skin complaints, emergency contraception and contraceptive advice, bites and stings and stomach ache.
Accident and Emergency (A&E) - A&E is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate hospital attention due to a serious illness or injury. Call 999 for an ambulance or take someone straight to A&E if it is an emergency or life-threatening situation.
An emergency includes things like:
For more advice to help you and your family stay well this winter, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell
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