While we may be celebrating this Christmas and New Year differently, the local NHS is still here to support the whole family.
A range of services and support will be available throughout the bank holidays, from mental health support, GP appointments, emergency dentists and the Urgent Treatment Centre at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport.
During the bank holidays when your GP practice is shut, or whenever you need support and aren’t sure who to contact, the NHS 111 service should be your first point of call. The team at 111 and 111.nhs.uk is available 24/7. For life-threatening physical or mental health emergencies, you should continue to call 999 or visit the Emergency Department immediately.
Urgent Treatment Centre
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) and Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) can help with a number of conditions including:
• cuts and grazes
• sprains and strains
• broken bones or fractures
• bites and stings
• infected wounds
• minor head injuries
• minor eye problems.
The Urgent Treatment Centre is at St Mary’s Hospital. Call NHS 111 to make an appointment. Please do not turn up without an appointment.
Dental services
If you need dental advice, call your usual dental practice if they are open or contact 111 (111.nhs.uk or calling 111) while they are closed, and the team can find the right support for you.
Pharmacy
A number of pharmacies will be open over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays but these will be to provide urgent prescriptions and essential over-the-counter medication. The list of opening times are available at https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours – please call ahead to check the pharmacy is open and has the medicine you need before travelling.
Mental health support
For the Isle of Wight, over 18s can call the Safe Haven on 01983 520168 or email [email protected] from 10:00-22:00 on weekends and bank holidays. There’s also a 24/7 mental health crisis number – 01983 522214. Anyone experiencing mental health issues can also call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk 24/7.
Support for people who are vulnerable
If you need support while you stay at home and are vulnerable or shielding and do not have support from family or friends, there is help available to support you.
The IOW coronavirus helpline number is 01983 823600.
The opening times are:
Thursday 24th December (Christmas Eve) – 09:00-16:30
Friday 25th December (Christmas Day) – Closed
Saturday 26th December (Boxing Day) – Closed
Sunday 27th December – Closed
Bank Holiday Monday 28th December – Closed
Tuesday 29th to Thursday 31st December – 09:00-17:00
Friday 1st January New Year’s Day – Closed
Saturday 2nd December – 09:00-13:00
Sunday 3rd December – Closed
Dr Michele Legg, GP and clinical chair of NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“While we continue to work in different ways to support the NHS response to coronavirus, we are all here for you.
“Please do get in touch if you are feeling unwell or are worried about a child or someone you care for, and we can find the right way to support you.
“If you need support from your GP while the practice is open before the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, please visit their website or give them a call and the team will advise of the best way to get in touch with a GP or nurse – this could be over the phone, a video consultation or a face to face appointment if you do need to be seen in person.”
While you may be busy finishing your Christmas shopping list, don’t forget to check you have enough medication, particularly if you take repeat prescriptions, and order ahead in good time.
Before visiting any health or care service this festive season, please always call ahead first, unless you have an appointment, and do not visit if you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus. Find out what to do if you think you have symptoms and guidance on self-isolating at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 or by calling 111 if you can’t get online. And for the latest guidance on coronavirus restrictions in your local area, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
