The cold weather and short days can mean that many of us feel unwell and want medical help. But did you know that almost half of people who attend A&E last year could have been treated elsewhere?

Winter is the busiest time of the year for the NHS. The bad weather affects pavements and driving conditions leading to more breaks, fractures and traffic accidents. The falling temperatures mean there is an increased risk of breathing problems, strokes and heart attacks. It is vital that A&E and 999 teams are available for these incidents and by choosing well you can help!

Over the festive period you may find that the opening hours of services and GPs have changed making it hard to find the right service or treatment but here are a few of the Wirral Community NHS Trust services you might find it useful to know about.

All Day Health Centre

If you’re a Wirral resident, you can book an appointment to see a GP at the All Day Health Centre by calling 0151 514 2222. We’re open 8am – 10pm, seven days a week (inc. Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

GP out of hours

If you need to speak to a GP at the weekend or overnight  call the GP Out of Hours service on 0151 678 8496. We’re available 6.30pm – 8.00am, Monday – Friday and 24 hours a day at weekends and bank holidays (inc. Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Walk-in centres

Nurses at our walk-in centres and minor injuries unit can treat most minor illnesses and injuries that need attention. No appointment needed, just turn up and we’ll aim to see you within four hours (the same targets as A&E).

You will find walk-in centres at Victoria Central Health Centre, Wallasey (with x-ray facilities), All Day Health Centre, Arrowe Park or Eastham Clinic and a minor injuries unit at Victoria Central Health Centre, Wallasey.

Choose Well this winter and help keep A&E for those people who really need a hospital.

All the festive opening times for these services and all other Wirral Community NHS Trust services can be found at: www.wirralct.nhs.uk.

Wirral Globe: Top tips for keeping well this winter: • Eat a varied and well balanced diet with hot meals and drinks • Stay active -but take care when out on slippery pavements • Keep your home warm - 18°-21°C or 64°-70°F is recommended • Wrap up warm – use several thinner layers rather than one thick layer • prepare for winter illnesses by visiting your local pharmacy and stocking up on essential remedies and adviceTop tips for keeping well this winter: • Eat a varied and well balanced diet with hot meals and drinks • Stay active -but take care when out on slippery pavements • Keep your home warm - 18°-21°C or 64°-70°F is recommended • Wrap up warm – use several thinner layers rather than one thick layer • prepare for winter illnesses by visiting your local pharmacy and stocking up on essential remedies and advice