With the Christmas and New Year bank holidays approaching, the NHS in West Yorkshire is encouraging people to plan ahead to help reduce pressure on services and avoid unnecessary stress.
Winter is already a busy period for NHS services, with hospitals and community services seeing higher demand. The upcoming bank holidays are expected to increase pressure further, particularly as many GP practices and pharmacies will be closed on the day.
There are three bank holidays over the festive period:
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Christmas Day – 25 December
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Boxing Day – 26 December
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New Year’s Day – 1 January
During these days, most GP practices and pharmacies will be closed. However, urgent GP appointments will still be available and must be booked in advance. Appointments may not take place at your usual GP practice.
If you need urgent care advice, you can use NHS 111 online or call 111:
https://111.nhs.uk
Order prescriptions in advance
If you take regular medication, it is important to check now that you have enough to last over the bank holiday period. If not, request your repeat prescription and collect it in good time.
You can order repeat prescriptions:
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Using the NHS App
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Via your GP or by following NHS guidance on repeat prescriptions
If you urgently need medication when your GP or pharmacy is closed, the NHS explains how to access medicines out of hours here:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/getting-medicines-out-of-hours/
Managing winter illnesses
For most people, winter illnesses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 will improve on their own with rest and fluids. Over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol and cold and flu remedies can help ease symptoms.
If symptoms worsen or you are unsure what to do, use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.
This helps ensure you are directed to the right service and helps keep emergency care available for those who need it most.
It is also a good idea to make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked with basic essentials, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, antiseptic cream and rehydration solutions. If you have young children, consider child-appropriate medication and a thermometer.
Mental health support over the festive period
For some people, the festive season can be particularly challenging for mental health. Support is available, and you do not need to wait until you are in crisis to seek help.
If you are in Leeds, local mental health support is also available via MindWell, the city’s mental health information hub:
https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk
Checking in on friends, family members and neighbours who may be feeling isolated can also make a difference over the winter period.
When to seek emergency help
If your condition is life or limb threatening, call 999 immediately or attend your local Emergency Department (A&E).
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director at the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said NHS staff will be working throughout the festive period, including on bank holidays, to keep people safe and well. He encouraged people to help ease pressure on services by planning ahead, ordering prescriptions in good time and using NHS 111 for urgent but non-emergency care.
