New Year support | News and events

New Year is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS and this year will be no different. Our hospitals in particular are very busy, and there are currently long waits to be seen in emergency departments.

As the New Year approaches, we are calling on you to get the right support in the right place to ensure those in greatest need can be seen as soon as possible.

People who need care for a life-threatening emergency should continue to go to A&E or call 999 for assistance.

However, if your issue is not a life-threatening medical emergency, please use NHS 111 online first. 111 online can be reached via 111.nhs.uk, and offers advice on urgent medical concerns as well as information about prescriptions and the option to order emergency repeat prescriptions if you have completely run out.

NHS 111 will refer you to the best service for your needs if you need to be seen by a clinician. This includes referrals to your local pharmacy, a Minor Injury Unit, or an Urgent Treatment Centre near you.

You can also drop into your local pharmacy to get advice from a pharmacist on medicines or common problems like coughs, colds, cystitis and rashes.

If you have a medical issue that is not urgent, please consider whether you could wait to contact your GP until the New Year, whilst your practice works to care for patients with the most urgent healthcare needs over the Holiday period.

Dr Gary Howsam, local GP and Interim Chief Clinical Improvement Officer at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough said: “The festive and new year season can be a time to celebrate with friends and family. We know though, that for some, this time of year can all be a bit overwhelming. It is important to know you are not alone and that there are a wide range of services available to help and support you across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. These include online support and information services, helplines, talking therapies and specialist help including crisis mental health support if needed.”

Local sources of support open over the festive period include: 

• Keep Your Head - keep-your-head.com - this local website is full of mental health tips, guidance and advice, so a great first place to look.
• Crisis support – NHS 111 Option 2 - if you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Simply dial 111 and select option 2. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
• Lifeline – lifecraft.org.uk - Free, confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121.

Together, we can help our NHS throughout the holidays and stay Well Together this Winter.