It isn't fun being unwell when everybody is celebrating which is why this year the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) has issued a set of helpful guidelines.

Ambulance service call centres are always busy during this time which is why they want to help people to use the most appropriate, alternative, NHS service available so they are are able to respond quickly to more urgent and life threatening incidents.

Assistant medical director for EEAS Dr Nick Morton said: "If you do fall ill over the holiday period and are unable to treat yourself or are unsure about what to do, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or your local GP out-of-hours Service.

"This is often a better place to start than calling an emergency ambulance or going to your local A&E department. 

"If you call, try to be ready with the name, address and post code of the patient, a brief description of what is wrong and, if possible, a list of the patient's usual medication. 

"NHS Direct will signpost you to the most appropriate service. If this the out-of-hours GP service, a doctor or nurse will ring you back, they may advise on self treatment, give you an appointment to go to the nearest out-of-hours' clinic, or arrange a home visit if medically necessary. 

"If the patients medical condition requires an emergency ambulance the call will be diverted to that part of our service. I would ask people to be patient, as at peak times it may take a little longer to return calls.

"Our message to people in the Peterborough area is to have a happy and healthy new year holiday by thinking ahead."


Regular medication

GP surgeries will be closed on Tuesday January 1. Anyone who takes regular prescribed medicines should make sure they have a sufficient supply and allow enough time to order and collect repeat prescriptions before their surgery closes for the holiday.

Self care

The majority of minor illness and injury, such as colds and flu, coughs, sore throats, indigestion, headaches, cuts and bruises, can be treated at home if you have a supply of over the counter remedies, which are easily available in your local pharmacy. If you have young children, don't forget suitable medicines for them.

Urgent pharmacy

There will be at least one local pharmacy open in each area for a few hours a day during the holidays, to enable people to obtain prescriptions or urgent over-the-counter medicines. To find out which pharmacies are open in your area call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Late chemists in and around Peterborough.

NHS Direct

24-hour confidential telephone service 0845 4647. Highly-trained nurses and call takers respond to requests for information and medical advice. They will refer anyone who is unsure whether they need medical help to the most appropriate services. Visit: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

GP out-of-hours service

For urgent healthcare and treatment service for when GP surgeries are closed, overnight from 6.30pm to 8am and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays. Telephone your own doctor's surgery and you will be automatically diverted or advised how to contact the service.
More online: Peterborough PCT: Out of hours services | Cambridgeshire PCT: Emergency Care.