SOMERSET’S GPs are reminding people to get ‘winter ready’ now by ensuring they have a few over-the-counter remedies for minor illness and ailments.

And with the Christmas and New Year holiday looming, the advice is not to put off buying some basic remedies for colds and coughs, paracetamol to relieve pain and plasters and antiseptic cream to deal with minor cuts and burns that can happen when cooking the Christmas lunch.  

Dr Ed Ford, a Minehead GP and Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group’s urgent care lead, said: “Winter is a busy time for district hospital Accident and Emergency departments. 

“They will be treating patients with the most serious and life threatening injuries, so please don’t go to A&E with only minor ailments. 

“You can help yourself and the NHS by getting the right treatment for your level of illness. If you are not sure what to do then phone NHS 111 and ask for advice.

“Every Christmas hundreds of people forget to re-order their routine prescriptions in time for the Christmas holiday. Think ahead.Order them in good time and save yourself a last minute panic.

“And why not ensure you stay well this winter by buying a few over-the-counter remedies from your local pharmacist or supermarket?”

Action to take if a family member becomes ill overnight or over the Christmas holiday includes:

* Self-care – Stock the medicine cabinet with a few basic items like paracetamol, a bandage, sticking plasters, and antiseptic cream or indigestion tablets. Contact the GP if troublesome symptoms persist or worsen. There is more advice on the NHS Livewell website under ’pharmacy’.

* Visit the local pharmacist – to find the nearest, search the NHS website a www.nhs.uk  or phone 111.

* Phone NHS 111 for medical advice or if information is needed quickly, but it is not a 999 life-threatening emergency. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines to this 24/7 service.Callers will be assessed, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that will help them best.

* If out-of-hours urgent GP care is needed, ring the surgery and listen to the answer phone message or phone 111 for advice. 

* There are Minor Injury Units at community hospitals including Minehead. An injury that is not serious can be treated there rather than a busy hospital A&E where staff need to concentrate on people with serious and life-threatening conditions. Going to the MIU can also avoid a long wait.

If anyone is experiencing chest pain, serious loss of blood or becomes unconscious, phone 999 for an ambulance immediately.