People are being urged to keep an extra special eye on themselves and the people they care for over the winter period so minor illnesses don’t become more serious.

People who are older or have long term conditions may be particularly vulnerable to winter bugs which could become serious and require hospital treatment. Getting help earlier may prevent this from happening.

To make sure winter bugs don’t become more serious:

• Have your flu jab
• If you start to feel ill, get help from your pharmacy straight away
• Keep your home warm, at least 18 degrees
• Make sure you take any medicines as directed
• Get any repeat prescriptions filled in advance as many surgeries and pharmacies close over Christmas
• Keep a supply of cold and flu remedies in the house so you don’t need to go out if the weather is bad
• If you are prescribed antibiotics finish the course
• Don’t go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS 111 can help you get the right treatment

Further Information

• NHS – Winter health

We are experiencing high levels of admin and clinical staff absence, due to COVID.

Staff who are well enough will be working from home are doing so, however, appointments may need to be postponed and it may take longer for us to answer the telephone or deal with admin queries.

If you have difficulty contacting the surgery and your medical condition cannot wait, please consider contacting 111 or 999 in an emergency. If you need to contact us about a routine matter, please consider delaying your phone call or using our eConsult service which is available on our website here Consult Online from Home – The Quarter Jack Surgery (webgp.com) so that patients who are unwell can get through on the phone.

Thank you for your patience.

From The Partners at The Quarter Jack Surgery