DON’T store up your care needs
The Derbyshire health and care system continues to be exceptionally busy and is likely to see its busiest ever period after the Christmas Bank Holiday.
Despite this pressure, members of the public are being asked to help by continuing to access the NHS for care in the usual manner, accepting that there may be longer waits for care in some health and care settings.
The NHS remains open for business and is keen to avoid an influx of stored-up demand after the upcoming four-day Christmas Bank Holiday weekend. Everyone continues to be asked to think carefully about where is best to go for the help they need.
Come forward if you are concerned about your health
The health service is still here to help care for people who are concerned about symptoms that may point to an illness such as cancer. We encourage members of the public to come forward as soon as possible if they have serious concerns or need emergency care as it will help staff to diagnose any illnesses and start treatment quickly where necessary.
Help yourself to help the NHS
At this time of year, it is natural to come across various self-limiting conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and rashes and therefore people should consider self-care as the first option, using a local pharmacy for advice and basic medication
NHS 111 online is also great to help with symptom checking and advice on which service to consider using. The health service is complicated, and NHS 111 online can help you navigate it effectively.
NHS services over the Christmas and New Year period
Most doctors’ surgeries will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, but the usual out of hours bank holiday arrangements will be in place to make sure NHS support is there for people needing it.
Pharmacy opening times across Derby and Derbyshire are available at NHS England — Midlands » Bank Holiday pharmacy opening times and more information about your nearest pharmacy can be found at Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
NHS 111 can help you either online or by telephone and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visit Accessing NHS services over the Christmas and New Year period to see more details about the services available over the coming weeks