Avoid feeling blue over the festive period by planning ahead

News from our partners NHS Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Doctors in Telford and Wrekin, and Shropshire, are encouraging people in the county to plan their healthcare ahead of the festive period.

With advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them, visiting the pharmacist or phoning either NHS 111 or Shropdoc on 0333 222 66 55 can save you time in the waiting room and help you feel better fast.

Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) can also deal with many minor conditions. There are MIUs at Ludlow, Whitchurch, Oswestry and Bridgnorth. They can deal with conditions like:

•        Cuts and lacerations
•        Fractures that require a plaster
•        Minor burns and scalds
•        Minor head injuries where the patient has remained conscious.

Dr Julian Povey, a local GP and Chair of NHS Shropshire CCG, said:

“If you’re not feeling well over the festive period, please take some time to consider where you should go to find help.

“That could mean getting advice from your local pharmacy, or dialling NHS 111 or Shropdoc on 0333 222 66 55 for more urgent, but not life-threatening, matters. Pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems.

“MIUs also offer a great service. Each unit is staffed by experienced nurses and offer a walk-in service which means there is no need to make an appointment.”

Dr Jo Leahy, Chair of NHS Telford & Wrekin CCG, said:

“We want people to enjoy the Christmas break, and a little bit of forward planning will really help with that.

“For those with long-term health problems, taking daily medication is an important part of their treatment. It’s worth checking your medicine cabinet to make sure you have enough supplies for the festive period.

“Pharmacies are also the ideal place over the Bank Holiday weekend to get over the counter remedies and advice for minor problems such as coughs and colds or ailments like bumps and grazes.”

Some pharmacies in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin will remain open on Christmas Day. For more information, please visit www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk or www.telfordccg.nhs.uk

For information about minor injuries units, please visit www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk

If you have a serious or life threatening emergency, please call 999 or visit your local A&E. 

Further information

Media enquiries: Please contact 0333 150 1602 or email mediacsu@nhs.net.