The NHS is reminding residents in mid and north east Essex where they can access expert medical treatment to help them stay well during the Christmas holidays.
Patients can save time in the waiting room by visiting their pharmacist for quick, confidential advice on a range of common illnesses.
Paula Wilkinson, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Mid Essex CCG, said: “Your local pharmacy can help you with more than you might think. Community pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems including; coughs, colds, aches and pains, minor injuries, tummy troubles and allergies.
“As most GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day we would also encourage patients to order any medication they need in plenty of time so they have a good supply during the festive period.”
Sheila Baldwin, Head of Medicines Management at NHS North East Essex CCG said: “We would recommend that everyone keeps well-stocked medicines cabinet containing simple remedies for minor illnesses such as coughs and colds, stomach upsets, minor cuts etc. This is important all year but especially so over the holiday period when pharmacies are closed.
“Community Pharmacists are also well placed to give advice to people taking any prescribed medication. Please remember to order any repeat prescriptions needed in plenty of time and collect from the pharmacy before Christmas Eve. Anyone living in the north east Essex area can also access their local Walk in Centre or minor injuries unit which are located in Clacton, Harwich or Colchester.”
If people need medical help urgently, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Simply call 111 from your landline or mobile to access advice and help to contact the local GP out of hour’s service. Please remember that Accident and Emergency at your local hospital should not be used unless it is for serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
For more information on what you can do to stay well this winter, please visit nhs.uk/staywell. Pharmacy opening hours over the Christmas Holidays are as follows. Times and dates correct at time of writing. To find your nearest pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk
CHRISTMAS DAY, Sunday 25 December 2016
- Clacton-On-Sea
Prescriptions 2 You
89-91 Pier Avenue CO15 1QE
10:00 – 13:00 - Colchester
Queen Street Pharmacy
12 Queen Street CO1 2PJ
12:00 – 16:00 - Walton On The Naze
Borno Chemists Ltd
Unit 3 Portobello Buildings, High Street CO14 8BB
09:00 – 11:00
BOXING DAY, Monday 26 December 2016
- Brightlingsea
Boots Pharmacy
52 Victoria Place CO7 0AB
10:00 – 14:00 - Clacton-On-Sea
Prescriptions 2 You
89-91 Pier Avenue CO15 1QE
10:00 – 16:00 - Colchester
Boots Pharmacy
5-6 Lion Walk CO1 1LX
08:30 – 19:00
Boots Pharmacy
Fiveways Superstore, Peartree Road CO3 0JX
10:00 -16:00
Boots Pharmacy
Unit 9 Tollgate West Stanway CO3 8RG
08:00 – 21:00
Sainsbury’s Pharmacy
1 Western Approach, Stanway CO3 8AA
09:00 – 17:00 - Frinton-On-Sea
Boots Pharmacy
10 Connaught Avenue CO13 9PW
10:00 -16:00
BANK HOLIDAY, Monday 2 January 2017
- Brightlingsea
Boots Pharmacy
52 Victoria Place CO7 0AB
10:00 – 14:00 - Clacton-On-Sea
Prescriptions 2 You
89-91 Pier Avenue CO15 1QE
10:00 – 6:00 - Colchester
Boots Pharmacy
Fiveways Superstore, Peartree Road CO3 0JX
10:00 – 16:00
Boots Pharmacy
2-4 West Parade Plume Avenue CO3 4PG
11:00 – 15:00
Boots Pharmacy
Unit 9 Tollgate West Stanway CO3 8RG
10:00 – 21:00
Boots Pharmacy
37 Barfield Road West Mersea CO5 8QX
10:00 – 16:00
Sainsbury’s Pharmacy
1 Western Approach, Stanway CO3 8AA
09:00 – 17:00 - Frinton-On-Sea
Boots Pharmacy
10 Connaught Avenue CO13 9PW
10:00 – 16:00
BANK HOLIDAY, Tuesday 27 December 2016
- Clacton-On-Sea
Prescriptions 2 You
89-91 Pier Avenue CO15 1QE
10:00 – 16:00 - Colchester
Boots Pharmacy
5-6 Lion Walk CO1 1LX
08:30 – 19:00
Boots Pharmacy
Fiveways Superstore, Peartree Road CO3 0JX
10:00 – 16:00
Boots Pharmacy
Unit 9 Tollgate West Stanway CO3 8RG
10:00 – 21:00
Sainsbury’s Pharmacy
1 Western Approach, Stanway CO3 8AA
09:00 – 17:00 - Frinton-On-Sea
Boots Pharmacy
10 Connaught Avenue
CO13 9PW
10:00 – 16:00
