The NHS in Wakefield is encouraging people to stay well this festive season by sharing useful tips and information on how to look after themselves and their loved ones.

With colder weather comes increased health risks like nasty winter bugs and respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV. Loneliness also increases during the festive season, particularly in vulnerable communities such as older people or those with disabilities.

Where to go when you’re not feeling well in Wakefield District

There are a range of services in Wakefield District here to help you – from minor conditions to urgent care.

NHS 111

If you’re unsure what to do, NHS 111 online can help with urgent, non-emergency issues, including help with your dental care, mental health, and existing medical conditions. If you don’t have internet access, you can call 111.

Get help at home

If you’re feeling under the weather you can try self-care at home. Make sure your medicine cabinet and first aid kit are stocked up ahead of Christmas as this can help treat common conditions or minor accidents and injuries at home.

Mental health support

If you need urgent mental health support, call the 24/7 crisis line: 0800 183 0558 or dial 111 and select the mental health option. You’re not alone – help is available.

Your local pharmacy

If you need some advice, your local pharmacist is there to help with things like colds, tummy troubles, rashes and pains. They can also suggest over-the-counter medications, and provide seasonal health tips. Find your nearest pharmacy using the NHS pharmacy finder.

Get care when your GP practice is closed

If you are registered with a Wakefield District GP practice and feel unwell when they are closed, you can get help from GP Care Wakefield through their evening and weekend clinics. Just call your usual GP practice number and you will automatically be put through to GP Care Wakefield.

When is this service available?

• Monday to Friday: 5pm to 9:30pm
• Saturday: 9am to 5pm
• Sunday: 9am to 1pm
• Bank Holidays: 9am to 3pm

King Street Walk-in Centre

If you need care quickly but it’s not an emergency you can visit the King Street Walk-in Centre every day of the year, including bank holidays, from 10am to 10pm.

The walk-in service is open for patients (except children under 6 months and pregnancy related issues) who need same-day care and cannot wait to see their own GP. The service is operated by a dedicated team of experienced clinicians who can assess, diagnose and treat a range of minor illnesses and minor injuries that do not need an x-ray.

Accident and Emergency

An accident and emergency (A&E) department deals with life-threatening emergencies and serious accidents, such as: loss of consciousness, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds and strokes.

Find your nearest A&E department.

Tips for staying well this festive season

Keep warm

Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Your home should be heated to at least 18°C in the rooms you use regularly, such as your living room and bedroom. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.

Find out more on the Wakefield Council website.

Wash your hands

With all the festive parties and family gatherings coming up, it’s important to remember that practicing good hand hygiene can help to reduce the spread of viruses and prevent you and your loved ones from becoming unwell. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Check in on each other

Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help. There’s a lot you can do to help people who need support.

Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling unwell.

Find out more about how we can all stay well this winter.

Dr Colin Speers, local GP and Medical Director for Integrated Community Services, said: “It’s really important that people look after themselves and anyone who is vulnerable during the winter months. Our aim throughout winter is to keep as many people as possible well at home and out of hospital. It’s the simple steps that really do make a difference in looking after our communities and our services over winter.”