NHS is here to help | News and events

Dr Fiona Head, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough said: “The NHS is here to help you, and you should continue to seek medical treatment if and when you need it. People who need care for a life- or limb-threatening emergency should continue to go to A&E or call 999 for assistance.

“However, if your issue is not a life- or limb-threatening medical emergency, please contact NHS 111 first. You can contact 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk or you can call 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your symptoms will be assessed by trained medical advisors, and you will be directed to the right service for your illness or injury.

“Simple steps like stocking up your medicine cabinet with essentials such as pain killers, upset stomach treatment and a first aid kit can help you treat minor illnesses and injuries at home, saving you unwanted trips and helping you feel better sooner. You can also drop into your local pharmacy to get advice from a pharmacist on medicines or common problems like coughs, colds or skin conditions.”

“We understand it is a difficult time for many. If you are feeling worried about your or a loved one’s mental health please reach out for support. Our local website keep-your-head.com provides helpful information on local support and services. For those who feel in a mental health crisis, you call 111 and select option 2 for urgent support with trained mental health advisors.”

Here is information on local services and support available over the festive period.  Further information can be found at www.cpics.org.uk/festive-opening-hours

• NHS.uk and NHS App – online support and symptom checker
• NHS 111 - if you need urgent medical help, think 111 first. NHS 111 is available on the phone and online 24/7 at 111.nhs.uk and can direct you to the right service at the right time
• Pharmacies - can help with a range of things including hangovers, coughs and colds, emergency contraception, and non-prescription medication. Some pharmacies will also be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Visit Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk) to find a pharmacy near you.
• Minor Injury Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) can help with a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings.
  • Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) - open every day from 8am to 8pm including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Bank Holiday Monday and New Year’s Day.
  • Ely Minor Injury Unit – open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8.30-6pm
  • Doddington Minor Injury Unit –Open Monday – Friday 08:30-18:00, Sat/ Sun and Bank Holidays – 09:00-17:00.  Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is 09:00-17:00. Closed Christmas Day.
  • Wisbech Minor Injury Unit - open every weekday from 8.00pm to 6pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
• Mental Health support – there is a range of services and support available including:
  • Keep Your Head – https://www.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 mental health option - if you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Simply dial 111 and select the mental health option. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
  • HEAR 85258 – a mental health free text messaging support service - text the word HEAR to 85258 to be connected to a trained volunteer who will offer calm in a time or place of crisis.
  • Lifeline – https://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.
  • Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org - Local and national listening service. Freephone 116 123, open 24/7, 365 days a year.

• Dental - if you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist as some practices offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if clinically necessary. You can also call NHS 111, who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.
• GP practices - are open between Christmas and New Year, check your usual GP practice for their opening times.