Nottingham patients have been told to use NHS services wisely this winter. The call comes as the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire health and care system remains in a critical incident.
The NHS services continue to be busy ahead of the Christmas bank holiday weekend. There are further ambulance strikes taking place on 28 December.
Members of the public are being asked to use services wisely to ensure those people with the greatest need can access care and support. 111 online will connect you with a doctor, nurse or other trained healthcare professional if needed.
Read more: Half of Nottinghamshire's ambulance staff could walk out in upcoming strike
Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive for NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: “We know it is difficult for people if they feel ill over the Christmas and New Year break and don’t know where to turn, which is why we are advising people to go to 111 online first or call 111 if they are unsure, as they will be able to advise you or even put you in touch with a medical specialist who can help.
“As we travel to visit friends and family we know minor accidents can happen. Urgent Treatment Centres on both London Road behind the BBC building in Nottingham (open 7am – 7pm daily) and at Newark Hospital (open 9am – 9.30pm daily) can treat sprains and fractures that happen when falling off a bike or if you’re suffering from a burn.
"Urgent treatment centres are open at least 12 hours a day, every day and offer appointments that can be booked through NHS 111 online. They are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend our emergency departments for, so please consider using them if it is not life threatening.”
You can search for “NHS 111” or call 111 from any phone. The 111 service can help you to get a GP appointment, direct you to an Urgent Treatment Centre or your nearest Pharmacy.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire residents can also make use of the NHS App for access to a wide range of services and information, meaning that they don’t necessarily need to call their GP or wait on the telephone for an appointment.
Flu and Covid-19 are circulating in the community this winter, so residents are reminded to get their jabs if they are eligible - over 50, have certain health conditions, are pregnant, are in long-stay residential care, receive a carers allowance or live with someone who has a weakened immune system. More details about how to get your flu and Covid-19 jab can be found here and also here.
Members of the public can also help ease pressures by using their local pharmacy. Pharmacies can help with things like allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments. Many pharmacies are open over the Christmas and New Year break, you can find opening hours for your local pharmacy here.
GPs are open as usual up to and including Friday, December 23 and then open again as normal on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
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