If you’re worried about your health, please don’t delay – help us, help you get the care you need this winter.
In life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999.
If you need medical help fast or think you need to go to A&E, use NHS 111 first to get clinical advice or direction to the most appropriate services for treatment.
NHS 111 is now able to book time slots for patients at Widnes Urgent Care Centre and Runcorn Urgent Care Centre and local A&E departments if appropriate.
For all other health needs, contact your pharmacy or GP practice by phone or eConsult (an online form on your practice website) in the first instance. GP practices
If you experience symptoms of Coronavirus please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus to arrange to get tested or call 119.
Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter ailments such as colds, sinusitis or painful middle ear infection (earache).
You can find a list of useful items to include in your medicine cabinet and first aid kit at nhs.uk or by speaking to your local pharmacist.
To manage winter illness symptoms at home, you should keep warm, rest, drink plenty of fluids, have at least one hot meal a day to keep your energy levels up and use over-the-counter medications to help give relief.
If you take prescription medicines, make sure you have enough before your pharmacy or GP practice closes for Christmas. And, if you’ve been prescribed antibiotics or any other medication, make sure you take them as directed.
You can order your repeat prescriptions online via the NHS App, your GP practice website or by calling your practice.
Please don’t go to a pharmacy or GP if you have symptoms of coronavirus or are self-isolating. Order your prescription online or by phone and ask a friend, relative or volunteer to collect medicines for you.
We all feel down from time to time, no matter our age. But, if you’ve not been feeling yourself for a while, talking therapies could help you feel better. Contact your GP practice about talking therapies if you’re feeling anxious, low or out of sorts. Your GP is there to help you – physically and mentally – and can refer you to the right service. Other useful resources
- For Halton residents - Mental Health Information Point
- For Warrington resident – Happy? Ok? Sad?
- For all Cheshire and Merseyside residents - Kind to your mind
- For urgent mental health support for you or if you are concerned someone you know is in crisis, you can call the NHS crisis advice. The number for Halton and Warrington residents is 0800 051 1508
- Shout - 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope
CALM Helpline
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Make sure you keep warm with these tips
- Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer.
- Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights as breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.
- Wear several layers of light clothes as this traps warm air better than one bulky layer.
- Make sure you’re receiving all the help that you’re entitled to. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
- Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re operating properly.
Useful information
www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/heating