As pressures on NHS services continue to grow across the South East please help us help you this New Year by choosing the right NHS service over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Dr Alison Taylor, Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards in the South East, said: “All areas of the NHS are under pressure at the moment with December being an extremely challenging time for the NHS, not helped by flu taking a toll in many homes.

“NHS 111 online is a great resource if you want to check your symptoms and a clinician will call you back if needed. It’s a good idea to use 111 online in the first instance to save yourself some time and to ensure that you receive the right care at the right time for your symptoms.

“Pharmacies are a great High Street resource, offering expert advice about over-the-counter medicines to treat common health conditions, as well as information on medication and a range of other services.

“With all the many colds, coughs and seasonal ailments about, pharmacists offer a fast and convenient service.”

A number of pharmacies will be open on New Year’s Day and the Bank Holiday Monday (January 2) across the South East. Some may have different opening hours over the New Year Bank Holiday. To find an open pharmacy near you visit nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy

All those who are at greater risk from the COVID-19 and flu viruses should take the extra protection offered by vaccination this winter. If you are aged 50 or over, or pregnant, or have a weakened immune system or long-term health condition, you will be eligible to receive your free COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations. COVID-19 and flu can be serious for these groups and flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can be deadly. So getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe this winter

We are urging people to continue to call 999 only in life-threatening emergencies, and the public should contact NHS 111 Online first for urgent medical advice, where they will be directed to the most appropriate service for their needs.

For more information about self-care and NHS services please go to https://www.nhs.uk/

www.111.nhs.uk can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
•  how to find general health information and advice
• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• how to get a repeat prescription
• get emergency dental appointments

The NHS 111 service is one part of the regional plans in place to manage demand for NHS services over the winter period.  You should still ring 999 if you experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue

Notes to editors

1. For an interview with Dr Alison Taylor please contact NHS England South East Communications Team.
2. Dr Alison Taylor explains how NHS 111 online can help people get the help they need from the convenience of their own homes.
3. For more information about the service go to When to use NHS 111 – NHS (www.nhs.uk)