University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is reassuring residents that NHS services remain available throughout the Christmas and New Year period and is encouraging people to use the right service for their needs.
While GP practices may have reduced opening hours over the holidays, NHS 111 online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide urgent health advice and direct people to the most appropriate care. The service can help patients access pharmacies, GP out-of-hours services, urgent treatment centres, or emergency care when necessary.
Community pharmacies will also continue to play a vital role during the festive season, offering expert advice, treatment for common conditions, and urgent supplies of medicines. Residents are encouraged to check local pharmacy opening hours in advance to ensure they can access the support they need.
The NHS App provides a convenient way to manage health needs during the holidays, including ordering repeat prescriptions and accessing NHS 111 online from home. People are recommended to order their repeat prescriptions while GP Practices are open.
Brigit Chesworth, Specialty Registrar in Public Health at the Trust, said: “The NHS is here for you this festive period. Knowing where to go for care helps people get the support they need quickly and ensures emergency services are available for those who need them most.”
Anyone with a serious or life-threatening condition should always call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
Meanwhile local people can take practical steps to keep their homes safe and protect their health during the colder winter months.
Cold weather can significantly increase the risk of illness, falls, and accidents at home—particularly for older people and those living with long-term health conditions. Simple measures such as keeping homes warm, dry, and well-ventilated can help reduce the impact of damp and cold, which are known to worsen breathing problems and joint pain.
Residents are advised to check their homes for potential safety hazards by:
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Clearing walkways to prevent trips and falls
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Securing loose rugs and improving lighting in key areas
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Taking care with heaters, candles, and electrical decorations to reduce fire risks
In addition, wearing warm clothing indoors, eating hot meals, and staying hydrated can help maintain health and wellbeing during the winter period.
Brigit said: “Small steps taken at home can make a big difference to health and wellbeing over Christmas. Making homes safer and checking in on vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours can help prevent avoidable illness and injury at a time when health services are under pressure.”
The Trust is reminding everyone that these simple actions not only protect individuals but also help reduce demand on local health services during one of the busiest times of the year.