Christmas is a special time, but for some, it can be lonely and isolating, or a time filled with worry and anxiety.
Do remember to order your repeat prescription but if you haven’t, or you feel unsure who to contact for medical advice or help in an emergency, support is available over the festive season.
Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, looking for advice on minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and tummy troubles or need medical help in an emergency – there are local services that can help.
It’s also important to look out for others at this time of year. Whether that’s checking in on a friend, having a chat with a neighbour or picking up some essentials for a family member. These small actions can make a big difference to someone who’s struggling at the moment.
Tips to help you stay well:
- Remember to order your prescription for any medication you need
- Speak with loved ones, friends or neighbours to support your mental health
- Stock up on things like paracetamol and cough and cold remedies
- Seek help if you feel unwell
Below you will find information on different services in the city who can support you this Christmas. If you’re not sure where to go, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
Pharmacies
Pharmacists can help you and your family with minor health concerns.
The Pharmacy First scheme also ensures that pharmacies can offer treatment and medication if needed.
The Pharmacy First scheme means that patients can be offered treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. The seven conditions are:
– Sinusitis
– Sore throat
– Earache
– Infected insect bites
– Impetigo
– Shingles
– Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-64
They can offer expert advice and over-the-counter medication to help treat conditions such as colds, coughs, headaches, aches and pains or an upset stomach.
Many pharmacies will be open over the festive season, but they may have different opening hours. You can find the opening times for Portsmouth and other areas in Hampshire here.
If you’re not sure where your local pharmacy is, use the NHS pharmacy finder. Please note that the times are subject to change, and you are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you need.
To help you stay well this winter, remember you can access the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations via pharmacies. You can search on the NHS website for pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine and pharmacies offering the NHS flu jab.
GP practices
GPs will continue to provide advice and support over the festive period. Most practices are closed on Bank Holidays, which this year is Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day), Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day), and Wednesday 1 January (New Year’s Day). GP opening hours at some locations may be different from usual on other days over this period. We recommend you check your practice website, and check if your practice has emailed you its Christmas opening hours.
If you need advice whilst your practice is closed, visit your local pharmacy, find help online at 111.nhs.net or call 111. In an emergency, dial 999.
Help support primary care to help you this winter:
- Know the best way to contact your GP practice – this is usually over the phone or by e-consult and you can find details of Portsmouth practices here. Please don’t queue at the practice if you don’t need to.
- If you’ve contacted your GP practice online and are awaiting a reply, please wait for an answer before chasing it up again (unless it’s urgent)
- Be kind. Everyone is working exceptionally hard to support you during a very difficult and busy time – please continue to treat staff with kindness.
Mental health
Although opening hours may differ from usual over the festive season, there’s always someone to talk to if you’re struggling.
Portsmouth Mental Health Hub
The Hub is a phoneline that offers support to anyone aged 16+ who’s struggling with their mental health and not sure where to go.
You can call the Hub for you, a loved one or someone you work with.
📞 0300 123 6621
🖥️ or chat online www.mentalhealthinportsmouth.co.uk
Opening times:
- Open Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm
- Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
NHS 111
NHS 111 has a dedicated team who can provide mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team will chat to you and offer advice on the best support for your needs.
NHS 111 offer support to people of all ages.
📞 111
🖥️ 111.nhs.uk
Urgent and emergency care
111 can help you to get an appointment at an Urgent Treatment Centre or the Emergency Department. Trained staff can offer advice on your symptoms and direct you to the right service. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
For minor injuries, go to an Urgent Treatment Centre
Urgent Treatment Centres offer treatment for a range of minor illnesses and injuries – including cuts and grazes, minor head and eye wounds, sprains and strains, bites and stings, and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.
UTCs are open every day, including bank holidays.
Our local UTCs are:
- St Mary’s Health Campus, Portsmouth (PO3 6DW), open 8am-8pm
- Petersfield Hospital (GU32 3LB), open 8am-8pm
- Gosport War Memorial Hospital (PO12 3PW), open 8am-10pm
Fore more information on UTCSs near you click here.
Emergency Department
Our nearest Emergency Department is at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.
It should only be used for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 999 immediately.