With the festive season upon us, the NHS is reminding people that their local pharmacy or GP practice may be closed, or have reduced opening hours, over the festive bank holiday period (25 and 26 December and 1 January).
The NHS is also advising people to check their medicine cabinets so that they are prepared for winter, should they or a family member become ill.
A medicine cabinet should include:
- Pain killers, such as paracetamol and aspirin, and the equivalent for children (such as Calpol)
- Indigestion and diarrhoea treatments
- Travel sickness tablets
- A first aid kit: plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic cream, eyewash solution, medical tape, tweezers and sharp scissors
- Vitamin D daily supplement
Worried about the health and wellbeing of a child
Unsure if you should stay at home with a sick child or need to see someone?
Visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website. Designed by local experts, the website provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses.
Mental health support
This time of year can be difficult for many. If you are feeling worried about your mental health, visit NHS Frimley - Mental wellbeing for advice and contact details.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists can offer clinical advice, over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, and most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss sensitive issues.
Some pharmacies are open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Local pharmacy opening times over the holiday season.
NHS 111
If you need urgent medical help, use 111 first. NHS 111 is available on the phone, via the app and online 24/7 at https://111.nhs.uk/. They will direct you to the right service.
Minor Injuries 
Open every day from 8am to 8pm (Including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day).
The Minor Injuries service at the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre, London Road, Bracknell, RG12 9RT, can help with a range of minor injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings and X-ray services.
GP practice
GP practices are open between Christmas and New Year; check your practice for its opening times.
Dental care
If you think you need urgent dental treatment, call your regular dentist. If you cannot reach your dentist or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service. If you need an appointment, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.
Emergency Department or calling 999
Only for very serious or life-threatening situations. These include:
- loss of consciousness
- a sudden confused state
- fits that are not stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- severe burns or scalds
- stroke
- major trauma such as a road traffic collision
- feelings of self-harm or suicide
Be safe, be healthy and be prepared this holiday season.
