Doctors in north east London are reminding people that choosing the right place for medical help over the Christmas holidays can help them get the treatment they need faster.
Hospitals across the capital have come under huge pressure in recent weeks as the NHS deals with an unprecedented surge in the number of patients taken seriously ill with flu.
Although more than 1.8 million flu jabs have been given in England since 1 September, many of those eligible for a free vaccine are yet to come forward so, with less than a week until Christmas, the NHS is urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
With record demand for A&E and ambulances adding to pressure on services, GPs in north east London are also reminding people that choosing the right place for medical help over the Christmas holidays can help them get the treatment they need faster.
Patients can seek urgent help and advice 24/7 from NHS 111 and will often be seen quicker by visiting their local pharmacy or a GP, even during the holiday season.
Those who need to see a GP in Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest have several options:
- Around a million GP appointments are available at GP surgeries across NEL every month on weekdays between 8am and 6.30pm and nearly two-thirds of these are provided on the same day or next day after booking. If you need to speak to your GP, you can book an appointment on your surgery’s website or phone them.
- Urgent GP appointments are also provided on weekday evenings and at weekends. These are available across north east London throughout the festive season, including on all three bank holidays – Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. If your surgery is closed, you can book these appointments by calling NHS 111.
- If you live in Barking and Dagenham or Havering, you can also get help with minor injuries and illnesses at the community urgent treatment centres (UTCs) at Barking Community Hospital and Harold Wood Polyclinic from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. You can call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen.
- If you need urgent mental health support yourself or for a loved one, call 111 and select option 2 to speak to a trained mental health professional at any time.
- All eligible adults can book an appointment to get their flu vaccine now at their local pharmacy via the NHS App, their GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or by calling 119. Many local pharmacies are offering walk-in vaccinations.
People are also being reminded to make sure they have enough medication to last them over the Christmas holidays and to pick up their repeat prescriptions in good time. Most minor health conditions, including colds and flu, can be safely treated at home.
If you need help, you can speak to a pharmacist. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer advice and over-the-counter medicines for many minor illnesses – including coughs, sore throats, sinus issues, shingles and urinary tract infections.
Pharmacists can also supply prescription medication, including antibiotics and antivirals, for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, and will direct you to a doctor or another NHS service if necessary. Many pharmacies open late and at weekends – including bank holidays – and you don’t need an appointment. You can find an open, late-night pharmacy on the NHS website here.
Dr Jagan John, a local GP and board member at NHS North East London, said:
“With flu cases at unprecedented levels for this time of year, I’d urge everyone who is eligible for a free flu jab to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It’s the best protection against the virus and, as well as helping to protect you and your loved ones, getting vaccinated will help ease pressure on our local NHS services.
“If you do become unwell over the festive season, we’re once again offering flexible GP appointments in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, so you can get the help you need when you need it wherever you live.
“Our local hospital emergency departments remain extremely busy so you will often get quicker, more appropriate help from your GP, a local pharmacist or through NHS 111.
“Ordering your repeat prescriptions well in advance will ensure you are well prepared for the four-day Christmas bank holiday weekend. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, you can assist them by asking if they need help collecting their medications or getting their flu vaccination.”
If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, make sure you contact NHS 111 first, rather than going straight to A&E. NHS 111 is available 24/7 online, via the NHS App or by calling 111. They can book you an appointment at an urgent treatment centre UTC, emergency dental service, or with a GP, and can even book you an appointment at A&E if necessary.
For more information on the best route to urgent care this Christmas, including advice on what to do if your child is unwell, visit https://northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/urgentcare.
