Hillingdon residents are being warned that GP practises may be closed or have reduced hours over the winter period, and should check when services will be available in advance.

Family doctors at Hillingdon CCG are also reminding residents to make sure they stock up on necessary medicines now to stay well over the Christmas period.

No one wants their Christmas ruined by illness – especially if it could be avoided with a few simple steps beforehand.

Residents should speak to their local pharmacist today about the medicines they might need in their home to help them and their families through the holiday season.

Pharmacists are fully qualified to give advice on the best course of action to take should people start to feel unwell.

Minor common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, coughs and earaches should not be treated by antibiotics in the first instance, so it is best to speak to a pharmacist who can give advice on the right medication to take.

It is also important to drink lots of fluids, rest and have at least one hot meal a day.

Dr Ian Goodman, a Hillingdon GP and Chair of Hillingdon CCG said: “Running out of prescription medication during the winter holidays can be serious and your local pharmacist is on hand to help you stock up on any medicines you might need.

“Especially with vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours. There’s nothing worse than seeing a Christmas ruined for the sake of a simple chat with an expert at a local pharmacy beforehand.”

Stock up for Christmas

The winter holiday season is often a very busy period for the NHS. Residents are advised to pick up any prescription medicines as soon as possible so they have enough to last the holiday period.

It is also important to take any prescribed antibiotics or other medications as directed.

Older neighbours, relatives and friends may need a bit of extra help during the winter season. Keep in touch with them and check if they are feeling under the weather.

They may need help stocking up on food supplies or collecting necessary medication before Christmas Eve or a spell of bad weather.

Dr Goodman said: “This is the season of goodwill so please look out for our friends and neighbours – particularly elderly and vulnerable people.

“A third of elderly people never or only occasionally socialise with family or friends. They can be slow to seek help and once ill, are much more likely to get very unwell.

“Keeping an eye out for elderly relatives and neighbours and supporting them in the cold weather can help them stay well this winter.”

“If you do get ill, your local pharmacist is often best placed to help for most illnesses. If your pharmacy is shut, NHS 111 can direct you to a local service that is open. You can also find the right care for you via our website.”

If you do need medical attention over the festive period, the minor injuries at Mount Vernon hospital will be open as normal every day, except Christmas Day, between 9am – 8pm:

Mount Vernon Hospital
Minor Injuries Unit
Rickmansworth Road
Northwood
HA6 2RN
Tel: 01923 844201

In any other case, try speaking to your nearest pharmacist first.

Pharmacy opening times

Pharmacy Name Address Post code Tel: Christmas Day 28 Dec 1 Jan
Sharmans Pharmacy 3-4 Clive Parade, Northwood HA6 2QF 01923 825 288 10am-2pm Closed Closed
Sainsburys Pharmacy Lombardy Retail Park, Coldharbour Rd, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 3EX 020 8848 9112 Closed 9am-5pm 10am-5pm
Tesco Glencoe Road, Hayes UB4 9SQ 020 3284 8547 Closed 9am-6pm Closed
Boots 163 High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1JZ 01895 233326 Closed 10.30am-5.30pm 10.30am-5.30pm
Boots 128 The Chimes High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1GA 01895 233526 Closed 9am-6pm 10am-6pm
Boots Waitrose Supermarket, 9 Kings End, Ruislip HA4 7DS 01895 672008 Closed 10am-4pm Closed
Boots 67 High Street, Ruislip HA4 8LS 01895 639991 Closed 10am-4pm Closed
HA McParland Ltd 118 Cowley Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 2LX 01895 233668 Closed 10am-4pm Closed
HA McParland Ltd 522 Uxbridge Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB4 0SA 020 8848 8447 Closed 10am-4pm Closed