The NHS is here to help you look after your health this winter. Colder weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you have a long-term health condition, for example asthma or heart disease.
Services are busy so it’s important you choose the best one for your needs.
For further help and advice, visit the Together We Can website.
Choose the right service
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a free service that offers help and advice if you have an urgent medical problem and aren’t sure what to do. It can connect you with a GP, nurse, emergency dentist or other health professional, and can book you an appointment if you need one.
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. The service is free and available 24/7.
GP practices
Your GP practice is made up of health professionals which may include GPs, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists. When you contact the practice, a trained member of staff will ask questions to determine the type of appointment you need, and which team member can best meet your needs. Any information you give will be treated confidentially.
Appointments are available until 8pm on weekdays and from 9am-5pm on Saturdays. You can book an appointment by visiting the practice website, via the NHS app or calling your practice.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who can give advice on minor illnesses and tell you if you need to see a doctor. You can find your nearest pharmacy by using the Together We Can pharmacy finder.
Self-care
Keep a supply of painkillers, cough medicine, and plasters in your medicine cabinet, so you can deal with minor illness and ailment at home. You can find advice on what to keep in your kit on the NHS website.
Throughout the winter months it’s important to keep warm and eat well. Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket in bed (not both), have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day.
For support with the cost-of-living, visit the Kirklees Council website or the government’s Help for Households site.
Visit our Self-care page for more information.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency, if someone is severely ill or injured, or their life is at risk, you should always visit A&E or call 999. This includes situations such as severe bleeding, head injury, severe allergic reactions or if you think it could be a heart attack or stroke.
Mental health support
If you’re concerned about your or someone else’s mental health, you can get help from the 24-hour mental health helpline by calling 0800 183 0558.
Children and young people can use the Night OWLS service by calling 0300 2003900, between 8pm-8am.
Visit our mental health services page for more information and resources.
NHS app
You can use the NHS app to order repeat prescriptions, manage your GP appointments, and find information and advice on a wide range of health conditions. Visit the NHS website to find out more about how the app can help you.
Winter vaccinations
Flu vaccine
Flu often gets better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get a flu jab if you’re advised to. The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It offered every year to people at risk of flu and its complications. It’s best to get the flu jab in autumn before the flu starts to spread but you can get it later.
Check if you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine:
Covid-19 booster vaccine
Some people may be eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 booster vaccines. If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time.
Find out more about the COVID-19 booster vaccine and who can get it
If you haven’t had any of your Covid-19 jabs yet, it’s not too late. You can visit a local walk-in centre or book an appointment on the National Booking System.