From Saturday 21 December through to Friday 27 December, many GP surgeries and pharmacies will be running reduced opening times, with a select few remaining open during this period. Health professionals throughout Doncaster are asking local people to collect any repeat prescriptions they need ahead of time, ensuring a safe and healthy festive break.
December has been one of the busiest months on record for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), with record-breaking attendances at the Trust’s Emergency Departments at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital. While there hasn’t been a significant spike in any specific illness, in 2019 the services have registered 22 of their top 30 busiest days.
Dr Nick Mallaband, Divisional Director for Medicine and Consultant at the Trust, said: “With only a few days left until Christmas, we understand that many will be making plans and arrangements for the festive period. We’re asking local people to make their health part of these preparations – collecting their prescription medicines as needed, as well as understanding what services are available should they, or a family member, become ill or injured.
“Please remember to only use the Emergency Department when it’s just that – an emergency. However, if you do feel ill during Christmas, you can still seek advice by calling NHS 111, booking an appointment at the Doncaster Same Day Health Centre and if it’s really urgent, calling 999. ”
With just a few weeks left until the New Year, the Trust has already cared for more emergency attendances than the entirety of 2018. On 29 November, Bassetlaw Hospital’s Emergency Department saw its 48,439th patient, surpassing the previous 12 months tally. Less than a week later on 5 December, the same service at Doncaster Royal Infirmary cared for its 103,810th patient for the entire year. This meant that, with three weeks to spare, the Trust surpassed last year’s activity.
Dr David Crichton, GP and Chair of NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “During this busy time of year I would encourage everyone to take some time to familiarise themselves with the wide range of local health services which are available to them. Across Doncaster we have a wide range of services in the community, in particular the ‘More Choice, More Appointments’ initiative and the Same Day Health Centre, alongside 24 hour pharmacies and advice line NHS 111. Please consider which service can help you the quickest and the best this winter.”
In Doncaster, a wide range of primary care services exist, to help keep people fit and healthy. These include pharmacies, local practice, Doncaster Same Day Health Centre, the GP out of hour’s service and community nurses. So whatever issue or complaint people have, there is always a service that can provide the right information, support, advice and treatment. Head to http://www.doncasterccg.nhs.uk/your-care/primary-care/ to find out more.