Chemists and Pharmacies open this festive period in Formby and Southport

With Christmas now upon us, health experts in Formby and Southport are urging local patients to prepare now to make sure they’re fully organised should they become unwell in the holiday season. NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is wanting to make sure as many of us as possible know the little steps to help the NHS help you such as stocking up on over the counter medicines and which service to use should we become unwell. Dr Rob Caudwell, GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “No one wants to spend their Christmas holidays unwell. “Ahead of the busy holiday period we’re urging you to make sure you’ve got fully stocked medicines cabinets at home: things like pain killers, cold remedies and tablets for tummy troubles. This will make a big difference if you or your family are unwell over the festive period." “Remember that GPs won’t routinely prescribe over the counter medicines for minor illnesses so it is important to have these at home when you can.” Medical help and advice will be available over the Christmas and New Year period, and you might find that the GP practice isn’t the best place for your need. Several pharmacies will be open over the holidays and a list of these can be found on the CCG website. Dr Caudwell continues: “During the winter months and especially over the festive period, it is important we know where to go if we, or someone we know falls ill." “You’ll find a chemist not far from home, even on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and all pharmacists can give you expert health advice and over the counter treatments for the most common illnesses and ailments without the need for an appointment." “Other services will also be available if it is something more serious such as NHS 111 and extra GP appointments of an evening and weekend.” In Southport and Formby more vulnerable patients can also use the Care at the Chemist scheme which is available in several pharmacies in the area. Visit www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services for more information on which services can help you in Southport and Formby including pharmacy opening times over the Christmas holidays.