The festive season is a time for celebration, family, and togetherness. To help ensure you can spend it where you want to be – at home, it’s important to understand how to access the right care, at the right time, if you or a loved one fall ill this winter. NHS services are here to help. Making the right choice helps you and means others can get the care they need during this busy period.
We spoke with Theresa Murphy, Chief Nurse at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust about how to choose the right place for your care this winter.
Think 111 and self-care first
Many minor injuries, like colds, sore throats or mild tummy bugs can be managed safely at home. It’s a good idea to stock up on essentials like pain relief, cold remedies and first aid supplies. But remember – if you’re not sure what’s wrong – you can always call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website for useful health advice and resources.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 online, or by phone. Trained advisors will guide you to the most appropriate service, whether that’s a GP appointment, an urgent care appointment or to reassure you that you can self-care at home.
Pharmacists are your local experts
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide advice and over-the-counter treatment for many minor ailments. Most pharmacies remain open for longer hours during the Christmas season and are an excellent first point of contact for non-urgent issues.
Life and limb-threatening emergencies
A&E and 999 should only be used for serious life or limb-threatening conditions, such as chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe injury or illness.
Using these services wisely means that those who really need them can get life-saving care without delay this Christmas.
Use our new Symptom Checker
This winter, we have designed a Symptom Checker – covering some of the most frequent winter illnesses and injuries – which signposts towards where you need to go to access care. Whether you’re concerned about poorly children, yourself, or a loved one over the winter period.
You can use the Symptom Checker via our website
Looking out for your neighbours
Christmas brings people together and as a result, we tend to see older people more often over the Christmas period, whether that is friends, family, loved ones or your neighbours.
Helping them access care early can prevent admissions. If you know an older person who you think may be vulnerable, think about checking on them during the lead-up to Christmas; is there anything they need or anything you can support them with to help them stay in the comfort of their own home this Christmas?
By following these steps, you will be taking an active role in supporting the NHS and improving your own chances of staying well – and at home – this Christmas. Together, we can all contribute to ensuring everyone gets access to timely care over the festive and winter period.
