Help yourself and the NHS during the festive bank holidays

The NHS in West Yorkshire wants everyone to be prepared for the upcoming bank holidays. Most GP practices and pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January).

Here’s what you should do:

• Make sure you have enough prescription medication to last through the holidays. Order repeat prescriptions early using the NHS App or your GP practice website. If you do run out of your prescription medication, you can use the NHS 111 online emergency prescription service.
• If you need to see a GP or other healthcare professional over the holidays call your GP practice or use NHS 111 online to book an out-of-hours appointment. This might not be at your GP practice. Call 111 if you can’t get online or need help for a child aged 5 or under.
• Most winter bugs like colds, flu and COVID-19 will get better by resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids. Use paracetamol or cold and flu tablets to feel better. If you feel worse or have serious symptoms use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice. 
• Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with supermarket essentials like antiseptic cream, paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration solutions. If you have children, make sure you have things like a thermometer and liquid paracetamol. Search ‘Find an NHS pharmacy’ to find your nearest open pharmacy.
• The holidays can be tough for some people. If you need mental health support visit togetherwe-can.com/mental-health. For urgent help in a mental health crisis call NHS 111, option 2 any time.
• Get the help you need and support busy NHS staff by choosing the right healthcare for your needs. If you need urgent help but it’s not an emergency use NHS 111 online or call 111. If you have a life-threatening emergency call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
• You’ll find consistent, accurate and trustworthy healthcare advice for parents, carers and young people at wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk
•  Find self-care tips, seasonal health information and local services information at togetherwe-can.com