Your festive health checklist: Prescriptions, pharmacy hours, and where to get help
With Christmas approaching, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is reminding people to plan ahead for their health needs.
If you or someone you care for relies on regular medication, make sure you’ve got enough to avoid running out over Christmas. Don’t miss your GP surgery’s cut-off date if you need to order more. You can also order repeat prescriptions quickly and easily using the NHS App.
There are lots of ways to get health help over the Christmas period and when places are closed, NHS 111 (online or by phone) is always available for urgent health advice and for anyone needing mental health support at what can be a difficult time for some of us.
GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and local pharmacies may have different opening hours. Find an open pharmacy near you.
Minor injury units and urgent treatment centres can help when it’s not a life or limb emergency. Urgent treatment centres are located at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, the Dartmoor Building at Derriford and the Cumberland Centre in Plymouth.
Many minor injury units are open on Christmas Day – in Bodmin, Camborne/Redruth, Launceston, St Austell, Stratton and St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly. It’s always wise to check the latest open times, x-ray and live wait times before you go.
In Falmouth, Helston, Liskeard and Newquay, the MIU will close for Christmas Day and reopen on Boxing Day (26 December).
Don’t forget 999 is always there for emergencies.
Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly says:
“Christmas is a busy and stressful time for everyone, and we want to make sure no one is caught out without their medication. Please order your prescriptions early and check festive opening times for local services.
“If you need help over the Christmas period, NHS 111 is always available, and pharmacies can assist with a range of minor conditions.
“We wish everyone a safe and healthy festive season.”