Panto stars have joined forces with local healthcare professionals to help people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire stay well this festive season.
With Christmas less than two weeks away, the cast of Peter Pan at the Bristol Hippodrome are backing the local NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign, which offers simple tips for winter wellbeing and guidance on how to get the right care at the right time.
Family favourites Captain Hook, Peter and Tinkerbell met up with award-winning Bedminster pharmacist Ade Williams MBE to learn about the campaign.
Ade said:
We want everyone to stay well and enjoy the festive season, and that’s why we’re promoting easy things people can do to look after themselves and their loved ones.
For example, picking up repeat medication before the bank holidays is a simple way to avoid last-minute panics, and your local community pharmacy team can also tell you what you need in your family medical cabinet to deal with things like coughs, colds, indigestion and allergic reactions at home.
It’s also good to remind yourself of how to get help over the bank holidays should you need more urgent care. Services including NHS 111, minor injury units and emergency pharmacies will all be open throughout the holiday period and you can check opening times on the local NHS website.”
Captain Hook, played by legendary TV actor David Suchet, said:
Us pirates are always getting into scrapes so it’s handy to know NHS 111 can get us to the help we need, even on the bank holidays. Hats off to all the NHS staff who’ll be caring for local people over Christmas.
Services available in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire throughout the bank holidays include:
NHS 111 can help if you think you need medical help right away. It’s available 24/7 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 and can guide you to the right care for your needs including injury or illness, an existing medical condition, dental care, mental health, and prescriptions or medicines information.
Pharmacies – community pharmacists are healthcare experts for a range of common health conditions including sore throats, coughs and colds. There are always some open on bank holidays. Find your nearest on the local NHS website or at nhs.uk
HANDi app – gives parents and carers expert advice on a range of childhood illnesses including diarrhoea and vomiting, high temperature, tummy pain, chestiness and head injuries. Search for “Handi App” on Google Play or iTunes.
999 and A&E – should be used for serious, life-threatening conditions only.
Full details of local services including opening times, are available on the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire website at bnssg.icb.nhs.uk.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, added:
With less than two weeks until Christmas Day we want to encourage people to order their repeat prescriptions now to ensure they have enough medication to cover the festive break.
With so much going on in the run up to Christmas, it is easy to forget about those other everyday essentials such as prescription medicine. So,check you have enough medication to last over the festive period and if not order a new supply as soon as possible, it allows enough time for it to be processed and dispensed, and saves you the worry of having to order an emergency prescription.
It also helps the NHS to reduce pressure on urgent care services, which are always busy at this time of year.
Ordering repeat prescriptions online or via the NHS App is a convenient way to get your medication without needing to visit or contact your GP practice.”
The Stay Well This Winter campaign brings together information and advice from local health and care services provided by the NHS and local authorities. It includes guidance on:
Covid and Flu vaccinations
Keeping warm, and getting help with heating
What to do when you’re feeling unwell or need medical help
Looking out for others, including vulnerable relatives and neighbours
Mental health support including ChatHealth, a confidential text service available to children and young people aged 11 to 19 in which school nurses can give advice on a range of issues such as mental health, relationships, bullying and self-harm. To use the service, text 07312 263093.
More information is available on our campaign page and on Healthier Together social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram, with the hashtag #StayWellThisWinter
