A happy Christmas is a healthy one.
The HSE is advising the public to arrange in advance with their GP any medical needs that they may have over the Christmas holidays.
In order to avoid interruptions, the HSE says it will be important to stay on top of their health requirements, such as prescription renewals.
Brian Murphy, Head of Planning at the HSE Primary Care Division says: “We want to remind people to be prepared this Christmas by renewing prescriptions early and to book GP appointments for routine visits during normal clinic hours. As the Christmas holidays are the busiest times for the GP Out of Hours Services, we are asking people to reserve this service for people with urgent medical problems only.”
As part of the 2017 Christmas period campaign, posters with up-to-date Christmas and New Year opening hours for each of the GP Out of Hours Services will be displayed locally. The HSE social media campaign and a ‘Stay Well this Christmas‘ webpage will also be providing information and reminding people to prepare and to reserve the GP Out of Hours Services for those with urgent medical conditions.
“I would urge everyone to take the time to prepare in advance, to use the GP Out of Hours Services for urgent medical problems only, and to take measures to stay well this Christmas and New Year; I wish everyone a healthy and safe Christmas and New Year.”
A few easy pointers shared by the HSE include:
- Booking an appointment at your own GP surgery for routine matters – as most GP surgeries will be closed on 23 December, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- If you have a medical condition that requires medication, ensure you order sufficient supplies to cover the whole holiday and any trips away you have planned.
- Stock up on home medicine cabinet essentials at your local pharmacy; painkillers – including painkillers for kids, indigestion remedies, cough and cold medicines, plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, thermometer, contraceptives and a minor injury first aid kit are all sensible items to have to hand.
- With regards common ailments like coughs, colds and sore throats, straightforward advice is being provided on HERE.
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