Stay well over the Xmas and New Year holidays

Date: 19 December 2019

Winter messages

There is a range of local health services to treat and support people over Christmas and New Year:

• Self-care is the best choice for minor illnesses and injuries.  A range of common winter ailments can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

• Having a winter plan is also advisable which could include having a free NHS flu jab if you are eligible and keeping your home warmed to at least 18 degrees centigrade – remember to keep an eye out for elderly neighbours by checking they are okay especially in the cold weather.

• Visit your local pharmacist for advice on coughs, headaches, upset stomachs and indigestion.  Your pharmacist can help stop coughs and colds from getting worse. For a list of local pharmacies which are open on bank holidays see here or visit: https://www.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health/choose-the-right-service/pharmacy.htm

• If your GP practice is closed you can contact the NHS 111 which has call handlers who will help you choose the right health service for your needs – you can also get NHS 111 advice online at  https://111.nhs.uk/ NHS 111 can put you in touch with a clinician, a GP, book you an appointment at your nearest minor injuries unit or even call an ambulance for you.

• Minor injuries units (MIUs) can treat deep cuts, small burns, sprains, sports injuries, infected wounds and foreign bodies in eyes. There are three MIUs in Oxfordshire (Henley-on-Thames, Witney and Abingdon) and also three First Aid Units in Oxfordshire (Bicester, Chipping Norton and Wallingford). The quickest way to be seen is to go through NHS 111 but you can also turn up and be seen but you have to wait longer. 

• Extended hours GP appointment - you can see a doctor at the weekend or in the evening by contacting your own surgery’s reception who will book you a time to see a GP or a health professional at a time which suits you.

• If you are you out and about in Oxford City on a Friday or Saturday over winter and feel ill or have an accident the SOS ambulance in Bonn Square can treat you from 10.45pm to 5.15am – there is an additional service on new year’s eve.

• Download Oxfordshire CCG’s ‘Health and Care Oxfordshire’ app to your smart phone to find health services near you http://bit.ly/iphoneappchoosewell or http://bit.ly/androidappchoosewell

The Accident and Emergency Department at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford or the Horton General Hospital in Banbury and the emergency ambulance service provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.  In these cases call 999 immediately.

Please visit Oxfordshire CCG winter campaign for more information on local health services or see here:  https://www.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/

  • Summary:

    There are a range of services to support you over the holidays if you feel unwell.

  • Transformation:
  • Date:
    19 December 2019