Holiday health service appeal

Medical Director, Dr Richard Wright explained: “We experience extra demand across all of our services during the winter months due to the increase in respiratory conditions and greater risk of falls and fractures in icy weather.

“Although we do have measures in place to cope with the increased number of patients we still need your help.

“Our staff will do everything they can to treat all patients as quickly and safely as possible but we appeal to everyone to help us to help those who need us most by choosing the right service.”

The Emergency Departments at Craigavon and Daisy Hill hospital provide care 24 hours a day - every day. Hospital emergency departments are for people who are seriously ill or injured and need to be immediately treated.

The South Tyrone Hospital Minor Injury Unit is open 9am-9pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday and can treat patients with minor conditions for example cuts, sprains or minor burns. The Unit will be closed on Christmas Day.

The GP Out of Hours Service should be used for serious urgent problems that cannot wait until your own GP surgery reopens. Always phone first on 028 3839 9201 as many patients can be given telephone advice and will not need to attend a centre.

Christmas and New Year opening times for the GP Out of Hours are: Christmas Eve 24th December - opens at 6pm and the service remains open until Tuesday 29th at 8am.

New Years Eve 31st December - opens at 6pm and the service remains open until Monday 4th at 8am.

Dr Wright added: “We need to make sure that priority is given to the patients who need us most.”

For more information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/choosewell