It’s snowing, people are getting into the festive spirit and it’s almost Christmas. So here are a few top tips from NHS Suffolk on how you can take care of yourself and your family over the festive period to ensure you have a safe and happy time.

Take care and be prepared
Take extra care not to slip, trip and fall, stock-up on common medicines such as paracetamol, and if weather conditions are severe, only travel if it’s essential.

Know where to go
If you do have any injuries over Christmas or New Year, be sure you know where to go to get treatment. The NHS Suffolk region has three minor injuries units that are a faster alternative to A&E departments for minor injuries and ailments, in Felixstowe, Ipswich and Haverhill – all three opening seven days a week, including public holidays. No appointment is necessary and most patients are seen within an hour. Many GP surgeries also offer a minor injury service during their normal opening hours. See www.suffolk.nhs.uk for more details.

NHS Direct

Unless your condition is serious the first port of call should always be NHS Direct, in confidence on 0845 46 47, and local pharmacies across Suffolk can offer expert advice on common ailments and the use of medicines.


Know your limits
When it comes to alcohol – most of us enjoy a drink or two but those glasses can add up – and regularly exceeding your recommended daily alcohol limit can increase the risk of long term health harms. The Department of Health recommends that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol daily and that women should not regularly drink more than two to three units daily. Try alternating soft drinks with alcoholic ones and don’t get into buying rounds to avoid drinking more than you intended.

Alastair McWhirter, chairman of NHS Suffolk, said: “As we look forward to the festive season, we would urge everyone across the county to be sensible and make sure that they take care of themselves, and know where to go to get the right treatment if it’s needed – especially in this icy weather.

“We’d also like to thank all the NHS staff who will be working over the festive period in our hospitals, minor injuries units, GP practices, pharmacies and in the ambulance service, for the great work they do to provide the best possible healthcare for Suffolk people, all year round.”

Where to go for treatment over Christmas and New Year

Self-care 

For people to treat minor illnesses or injuries themselves

Calling NHS Direct 

For round the clock health queries and information about local services on 0845 46 47.

Local pharmacist

Advice for treating common winter illnesses and the best medicines to use.

Visiting their GP 

For medical advice, examinations or an illness or injury that require prescriptions.

NHS walk-in centre

For treating minor illnesses and injuries that do not require an A&E visit and without needing an appointment. There are three MIUs in the NHS Suffolk region, in Felixstowe, Ipswich and Haverhill – all three opening seven days a week, including public holidays.

A&E or dialling 999

For serious illness or injuries considered to be critical or life threatening.

Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk