Morecambe Bay NHS services tell us they have been working hard alongside local and national NHS colleagues to ensure that patients who really need urgent care over the Christmas and New Year period receive the quickest possible treatment they need, and that people who can be cared for elsewhere don’t have to resort to waiting in Accident and Emergency departments.
Read down for their advice on obtaining healthcare services over Christmas and New Year for patients in both Cumbria and Lancashire or visit their seasonal information page here. (Don’t forget to wash your hands!)
GP appointments:
Although some GP practices are closed over Christmas and New Year bank holidays, the NHS has been working to ensure people will still be able to access a GP appointment or pharmacist should they need one. If you need to see a GP over Christmas and New Year, contact NHS 111 who will be able to help.
You can also find your nearest GP, pharmacy or dentist at http://www.urgentoremergency.co.uk/ (scroll down to enter your postcode).
They wish to reassure people that if they call 111, they will be allocated an appointment should they need one.
Pharmacies:
The NHS is also encouraging people to visit their local pharmacy for minor ailments. In most cases, this will mean they receive the advice and care they need much quicker. Pharmacists can provide instant, confidential advice and treatment for minor illnesses, without the need to make an appointment. For local pharmacy opening hours, during the Christmas and New Year period, please click on the relevant link below:
Opening times for pharmacies in North Lancashire (Lancaster, Morecambe and rural)
Opening times for pharmacies in the South Lakeland area
Opening times for pharmacies in the Furness area
A&E:
A&E departments are always busy over the festive period so we need to help to keep them free for those people with serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Many people don’t know that there are a range of local health services available to you when you are feeling unwell. Depending on the seriousness of your symptoms, you could get help faster and easier by using another service, and you could even save lives! You can find out more about these services and how to contact them here.
Child Health App:
Advice for parents is also available on the free NHS child health app. The app has been developed by doctors, health visitors and pharmacists and can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple’s App Store. There is also child health information available locally developed by local GPs and paediatricians here.
For more information visit the UHMBT news website.