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| * Dr Ellen Wright |
by NHS Greenwich CCG | Health
Greenwich residents are being asked to spare a thought for their local hospitals over the festive season, as doctors and nurses continue to provide round the clock care throughout one of the busiest times of the year.
Together with the cold weather and seasonal viruses such as flu doing the rounds, this means that many doctors and nurses will be spending the festive season delivering much needed care to patients.
However, it's worth remembering that whilst some services may not be open as long, there is a wide range of NHS services that can provide urgent advice and treatment in addition to A&E.
Whether you've slipped and fallen, cut your hand carving the turkey, or strained your back putting up the tree, choosing the right NHS service for your symptoms means you'll be seen quickly and get the treatment you need. It also eases the pressure on A&E and 999 services meaning they can concentrate on helping those with life-threatening conditions who are most in need of their care.
To support our hardworking doctors and nurses, this Christmas, NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning is reminding people that alternative services to A&E are available, and that this winter, you should only visit A&E if it is a serious, life-threatening emergency. This season, the CCG will be sharing a tweet about a seasonal ailment and the best place to get it treated during the holiday season.
Dr Ellen Wright (top right), Greenwich GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Greenwich CCG, said there are a number of ways people could find the right service if they fall ill over the Christmas period.
"There are a number of NHS services available that can treat you much quicker than A&E if you feel unwell this Christmas. We know it can sometimes be confusing knowing which one is right for you when you're not feeling 100 per cent. That's why we'll be tweeting this Christmas to reach out to local people with some examples of illnesses and injuries typical at this time of year, and advice on where they can be best treated."
"Remember, you can call NHS 111 24 hours a day, seven days a week for urgent medical advice and support, or visit www.nhs.uk to find the right service out of hours. We are asking people to think before calling an ambulance or attending A&E, these services should not be used as an alternative for a GP. "
During the winter season, self-care is the best for a cold; treat this at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest. For minor ailments, local pharmacists can provide expert advice on how to help manage illnesses, as well as providing guidance on the best treatments.
This Christmas and New Year period, some NHS services, such as GP Practices and pharmacies will be closed or have limited opening hours on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December), Boxing Day Bank Holiday (Monday 28 December) and New Year’s Day (Friday 1 January 2016). A list of pharmacies open during the Christmas period can be found here.
NHS services available to Greenwich residents over the Christmas period are:
* Self-care – people suffering from minor ailments such as coughs, colds and grazes should treat themselves at home or visit their local pharmacy
* GP out-of-hours service – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, GP out-of-hours services are available on the usual surgery number or by calling NHS 111 direct and are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice or, if necessary, treatment at home or in a local health centre
* Pharmacies – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses. They can also sometimes issue you with an emergency supply of your repeat medication without you having to speak to a doctor.
* NHS 111 – NHS 111 is a free phone service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It offers a one-stop number for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms
* Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and Walk-in Centre -- with no appointment necessary your local centres are managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains and suspected breaks.
* Visit the Greenwich Urgent Care Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4QH. Open from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
* Visit the Urgent Care Centre in Thamesmead. Open from 8am to 8pm. 4 - 5 Thames Reach, Thamesmead, London SE28 0NY, Tel: 020 8319 5880
* Visit the Walk-in Centre in Woolwich. Open from 8am to 8pm. Clover Health Centre, Equitable House, General Gordon Place Woolwich London SE18 6AB, Tel: 020 8331 0567.
* GP out-of-hours service – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, ring 111 and if appropriate you will be transferred to the GP out-of-hours services. These are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice. or see you at their base, or if you are too unwell to travel, visit you at home.
* Use the Health Help Now app, which can be downloaded for free at:
You can also find the app by searching in your smartphone app store. Health Help Now helps people check their symptoms and find the best place for treatment – showing which nearby services are open. Importantly, it will help people to know when to go to A&E, and when not to.
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