Look after yourself this winter

People are being encouraged to choose the most appropriate care for their ailments this winter, to help ease the pressure on local NHS services.

Despite a relatively mild winter so far, the NHS faces increased demand at this time of year, particularly relating to the care of elderly and vulnerable patients.

Whilst plans are always put in place for this increased demand, there are things we can all do to help alleviate the extra pressures.

Colder weather and viruses lead to an increase in the number of people being admitted to hospital as an emergency, particularly those with a respiratory condition.
 
Here’s a list of tips to help you plan and ensure you receive the most appropriate and timely treatment during winter:

• Ensure you have sufficient over the counter medicines to treat minor ailments, such as coughs, colds, cuts and scratches.  The NHS Choices website has further information about sensible items to keep in your medicine cabinet at home
   
• If you feel unwell, particularly if you are elderly, seeking early advice from your GP or pharmacist could prevent a minor ailment becoming more serious
   
• If you have an ongoing medical condition requiring repeat prescriptions, ensure you have sufficient supplied to avoid running out when your GP surgery is closed
   
• Your local pharmacist is a good source of information, advice and treatment for a wide range of minor ailments
   
• For urgent medical needs that are not emergencies, NHS 111 is a free national phone number able to provide advice at any time on where and how to receive the most appropriate treatment
   
• This year’s NHS Flu campaign is encouraging all those who are eligible for the free flu vaccination to take up the offer.  It is targeted at those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and parents of children aged two-four
   
• Keep a look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are staying safe and well
   
• If you have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, stay away from hospitals including visiting friends or relatives.  Norovirus, often called the winter vomiting bug, is highly contagious and can spread quickly    in hospitals
   
• Don’t’ go to a hospital A&E department or dial 999 for an ambulance unless it is for a serious or life-threatening emergency

Useful contacts:

Pharmacy
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
A service which makes it easier for you to access the NHS.  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.

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

Walk in centre
Lincoln Walk-in Centre, 63 Monks Road. Lincoln LN2 5HP
Tel: 01522 528153 opening times 8am- 8pm

Grantham Enhanced Out of Hours Service
Kingfisher Suite, Grantham and District Hospital, Grantham NH31 8DG
For booked appointments with the traditional GP Out of Hours Service, dial NHS 111 6.30pm-8am on weekdays or 24hours a day at weekends and Bank Holidays.
For injuries only (cuts, minor burns, sprains and suspected fractures, bites and stings), walk in without an appointment 6.30pm-11.30pm seven days a week.

Minor injury units
Sleaford Medical Group, 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD
Tel: 01529 419100 opening times 8am – 8pm weekdays, 8am – 6pm weekends

The City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB.
Tel: 01733 293800 opening times 8am-8pm

Stamford Hospital, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire,PE9 1UA
Tel: 01780 764151 open 9am- 5pm

Newark minor injury unit and urgent care centre
Newark Hospital, Boundary Road , Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4DE
Tel: 01636 681681 opening times

John Coupland Hospital, Ropery Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2TJ.
Tel: 01427 816 502, open seven days: 8am - 8pm
 
Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, PE11 3DT
Tel: 01775 652000 , open seven days: 8am - 6pm

Urgent Care Centres
Sleaford Medical Group, 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD
Tel: 01529 419100 opening times 6.30pm – 8pm weekdays, 8am – 6pm weekends

Skegness Hospital, Dorothy Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2BS
Tel: 01754 613504
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)

County Hospital, High Holme Road, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0EU
Tel: 01507 600100 ext 1223
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)