Health advice to prepare for the festive season
The Christmas and New Year's Day bank holidays reduce the number of working days for GP practices and pharmacies. This makes it important for people to ahead, to make sure they have enough medication to cover the holiday period. Healthwatch Gateshead are encouraging people to order and collect their prescriptions a little earlier than they might normally.
It is also an important time of year for seasonal vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Many people are eligible for a free vaccine, including people in residential care. You can find out more on the NHS website or speak to your GP or local pharmacist.
Healthwatch Gateshead will be closed for the winter bank holidays from 4pm on the Wednesday 24th of December until 10am on Friday 2nd of January. If you need help accessing healthcare during this time, please call NHS 111. Always call 999 if your situation is life-threatening.
If you have care needs and want to talk to someone, then contact Adult Social Care Direct. The phone service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0191 433 7033.
If you aren't sure which health service to contact, please refer to the information below:
Self Care at home:
- Minor cuts and grazes
- Minor bruises
- Minor sprains
- Coughs and colds
Call NHS 111 for non-emergency help:
- Feeling unwell
- Unsure who to call
- Anxious about health
- Need help?
Contact your Pharmacy for expert advice:
- Minor illness
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Bites and stings
Contact your GP (out of hours call NHS 111):
- Persistent symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Long term conditions
- New prescriptions
Visit your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre:
- Breaks and sprains
- X-rays
- Cuts and grazes
- Fever and rashes
In an emergency go to hospital or call 999:
- Choking
- Chest pain / breathing issues
- Blacking Out
- Serious blood loss
