Where to go for help with health over Christmas and New Year

South West Lincolnshire NHS is encouraging people to choose their health services wisely over Christmas and the New Year.

Dr Vindi Bhandal, chairman of NHS South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group and a partner at Sleaford Medical Group, said: “People should make good use of their local pharmacy, many of which will be open over Christmas when other services may be closed. We’re urging the public to choose well this winter, and pharmacies are the best place to get the right advice and treatment for coughs, colds and flu, along with many other illnesses.

“Another useful service to remember is NHS 111 the free NHS helpline, which offers health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We’re also reminding people to make sure they have all the medication they need for the Christmas period and have ordered their repeat prescriptions in plenty of time to cover the holidays.”

If you are unsure how to treat an urgent condition – but not a life-threatening emergency - that occurs when you cannot get help from your GP or pharmacist, dial 111, the free 24-hour NHS helpline for an assessment and advice. They can also direct you to the most appropriate local service that is open.

Your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to go to your GP or other healthcare setting.

NHS 111 is a service which makes it easier for you to access NHS services. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is free when you telephone 111. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but is not a 999 emergency.

If you need a doctor out of normal hours, dial NHS 111 to contact the GP Out of Hours service.

Walk-In Centres:

Lincoln Walk-In Centre, 63 Monks Road, Lincoln LN2 5HP. The centre offers a range of services including nurse-led minor illness and sexual-health service including emergency contraception. Patients do not have to be registered at the centre and can walk in or book an appointment on 01522 528153. The centre is open from 8am - 8pm, seven days a week (except for Christmas Day and Easter Sunday).

Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding Road, Pinchbeck PE11 3DT (for satnav use PE11 3PB) Tel: 01775 652000. Open: 8am-6pm, seven days a week.

Sleaford Medical Group, 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD. Tel: 01529 419100. Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week and 8am to 6pm at weekends and bank holidays (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday).