Christmas NHS and pharmacy services in Northumberland

Anyone needing treatment for under twos can use walk-in services in GP-led health centres.

CHOOSE WELL

The NHS Choose Well scheme is designed to help people make sure they get the right treatment, at the right time and place that is convenient for them.

Choose Well uses the image of a colour-coded thermometer to help people to link their symptoms with a particular NHS service which is right for their need.

Dr Mike Guy, medical director for NHS North of Tyne, working on behalf of Newcastle Primary Care Trust, North Tyneside PCT and Northumberland Care Trust, said the Choose Well scheme helps everyone get treated effectively and quickly.

"There are lots of ways people can get the right treatment over the winter and festive periods," said Dr Guy.

"You can get expert advice from your local community pharmacy, go to an NHS walk-in centre or minor injury clinic, go online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

"NHS Direct will be able to give you help and advice as well as opening times for all out-of-hours NHS services and community pharmacies over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays."

If you are unsure whether a service can treat your condition, doctors advise you to call and ask.

The first point on the scale is self care and health experts have encouraged families to keep their medicine cabinets fully stocked over the winter period so they can quickly and easily treat minor illnesses such as coughs, colds or hangovers with over-the-counter remedies.

If you have a long-term health condition that you manage with regular prescription medicine, don't forget to check and make sure you have enough medication to last until the New Year.

Dr Guy added: "By taking simple steps - collecting repeat prescriptions ahead of Christmas week and stocking up on medicines to treat common illnesses - we can ensure we're using our NHS services responsibly, leaving out-of-hours and emergency services open for those who experience a serious medical emergency.

"As the NHS constitution says, the NHS belongs to all of and as such we all have a duty to ensure that we use it responsibly.

"With just a little bit of planning we can make sure we don't put any additional pressure on those NHS services which are working while the majority of us are enjoying our Christmas break."

If you are unsure if a service can treat your condition just call ahead and ask.

Self-care

Minor ailments such as hangovers, upset stomachs, headaches, sore throats and coughs can all be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest. If you take prescription medication for a long-term health condition, don't forget to make sure you have enough medication until the New Year.

Pharmacist

Your local pharmacy provides expert advice on common health problems and many pharmacies have early and late opening hours. For details see NHS Direct or www.northoftyne.nhs.uk

Northumberland Christmas pharmacy opening hours »

GP practices and out-of-hours GP services

Your GP practice will be closed from Friday 25 to Monday 28 December and will re-open on Tuesday 29 December with usual working hours. They will also be closed from Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3 and will re-open on Monday, January 4. Please for exact opening hours.

If you need to see a GP when your own practice is closed, contact the out-of-hours GP service - Northern Doctors Urgent Care on 0300 123 4343. Open 6.30pm to 8am on normal weekdays, open 24 hours a day from Friday 25 to Monday 28 and Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3.

Out of hours and urgent dental treatment: You can contact the out-of-hours dental service on 0845 608 0324. If you do not have a dentist or are experiencing problems accessing treatment, ring NHS Direct.

Essential phone numbers page »

NHS Walk-in Centres or NHS Minor Injuries Units

For treatment of minor illnesses or injuries without an appointment choose an NHS Walk-in Centre or Minor Injuries Unit. Children under two can only be treated at GP-led walk-in centres - ring to check.

Northumberland Walk-In Centres or Minor Injuries Units

Minor Injuries Units at Alnwick Infirmary and Berwick Infirmary:
Tel: 08448 118111 and ask for either Alnwick or Berwick minor injuries.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Haltwhistle War Memorial Hospital Minor Injuries Unit:
Tel: 01434 320225.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Blyth Community Hospital Minor Injuries Unit:
Tel: 08448 118111 and ask for Blyth minor injuries
Opening times Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
This service is closed from Friday, December 25 to Monday, December 28 and Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3 and re-opens on Monday, January 4.

Wansbeck Primary Care Access Centre, based next to A&E at Wansbeck General Hospital:
Tel: 01670 529205 - please call ahead to make an appointment. Normal opening times Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6.30pm not including Bank Holidays. This service is closed from Friday, December 25 to Monday, December 28 and Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3, and re-opens on Monday, January 4.

Selected other centres in Tyne & Wear

Westgate Road Walk-in Centre, next to A&E at Newcastle General Hospital:
Tel: 0191 256 3163
Open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Ponteland Road Health Centre, Newcastle
Tel: 0191 271 9030
www.pontelandroadhc.co.uk
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Battle Hill Health Centre Walk-in Service, Belmont Close, Wallsend:
Tel: 0191 295 8520
www.battlehillhc.co.uk
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Minor Injuries Clinic, Shiremoor Health Resource Centre, Earsdon Road, North Tyneside:
Tel: 0191 253 6966
Opening times Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (adults), 9am to 4.30pm (children under 16), not including Bank Holidays.
This service is closed from Friday, December 25 to Monday, December 28 and Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3 and re-opens on Monday, January 4.