Although there will be thousands of UHB staff giving up their holidays to provide care and support for people across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, the Health Board is offering tips to make sure everyone enjoys a healthy holiday and advice on what to do if they need help.
Chief Executive Jan Williams said: “We would like to wish all our staff and the public a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope they have a very enjoyable time.
“There will be help to hand for those who need it. I would like to remind people that there are a variety of support services available over the holidays such as 
local pharmacists, dentists, GPs and NHS Direct Wales should they need any advice.
local pharmacists, dentists, GPs and NHS Direct Wales should they need any advice."Emergency services are available to patients who need them. The Accident & Emergency Unit at UHW is there to treat patients with serious and life-threatening conditions needing urgent attention - such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems or accidents.
“We would therefore ask people to think about whether their complaint falls into one of these categories before calling 999 or coming to EU because less serious conditions can be managed efficiently through a range of other services - from the GP out-of-hours service, community pharmacist, or dentist.
“By using the full range of services appropriately, we can ensure that access to A&E is protected for those who really need it.
“If people are unsure which service is appropriate then the best thing to do is contact NHS Direct (0845 46 47) who can offer proper advice.”
Mrs Williams said there were a number of things that people could do to make sure they have a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year.
This includes:
- Making sure you have repeat prescriptions ready if you need them.
- Check the UHB’s website for updates on services such pharmacy opening times.
- If you need to speak to your doctor ring your GP surgery – if they are unavailable you will be given details for the Out of Hours service.
- If you need urgent dental care ring the new 24 Hour Dental Helpline on 02920 444 500.
- Take care to prepare and cook foods properly.
- Details on how to access sexual health advice or contraception is available through the UHB’s website.
- If the temperature plummets visit the Health Board’s website for updates on services and conditions at our hospitals.
Other useful advice and information is also available on the UHB’s website.
Mrs Williams said: “I would like to thank all those staff who are helping to make sure that we continue to provide care and support during the Christmas period, and ask the public to help those staff by making sure they Choose Well should they unfortunately need to access our services.”
For advice and information
- Food safety advice
- Keep Warm Keep Well This Winter
- Stop Smoking Wales
- Directory of useful numbers for homeless people in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
