NHS Reminds Cornwall Residents to Plan Prescriptions and Care Over Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is urging people to plan ahead to avoid health problems over the festive period.

The reminder comes as GP surgeries and some pharmacies prepare to close or operate reduced hours over the holidays.

Order Prescriptions Early

Anyone who relies on regular medication is being advised to check they have enough to last through Christmas and New Year. Patients are reminded not to miss their GP surgery’s cut off date for ordering prescriptions.

Repeat prescriptions can also be ordered using the NHS App, which offers a quick and simple way to manage medication.

Know Where to Get Help

GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Local pharmacies may also have different opening hours, so people are encouraged to check which pharmacies are open before they need one.

NHS 111 is available online or by phone throughout the festive period. The service can provide urgent health advice and support, including mental health support, which can be especially important at what can be a difficult time of year for some people.

Minor Injuries and Urgent Care

Minor injury units and urgent treatment centres remain available for issues that are not life or limb emergencies.

Urgent treatment centres are located at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, the Dartmoor Building at Derriford, and the Cumberland Centre in Plymouth.

Many minor injury units will be open for their usual core hours over Christmas in Bodmin, Camborne Redruth, Launceston, St Austell, Stratton and St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.

In Falmouth, Helston, Liskeard and Newquay, minor injury units will close on Christmas Day and reopen on Boxing Day, 26th December.

People are advised to check the latest opening times, x ray availability and live wait times before travelling.

Emergency Care Still Available

For emergencies, 999 remains available at all times.

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:
“Christmas is a busy and stressful time for everyone, and we want to make sure no one is caught out without their medication. Please order your prescriptions early and check festive opening times for local services.

“If you need help over the Christmas period, NHS 111 is always available, and pharmacies can assist with a range of minor conditions.

“We wish everyone a safe and healthy festive season.”