I HOPE you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Year's Eve and kept warm and healthy.

This time of year is always busy for the NHS.

A big thank you to all of our health and social care staff, their families who support them, and to the emergency services who keep the lights on and keep us safe during the festivities.

If you do find yourself needing medical help in these cold dark months, do you know what services are available in your local community and how you could save yourself an unnecessary trip to hospital?

Using a Walk-in Centre, Urgent Treatment Centre, GP out of hours, pharmacies or your GP means you can receive treatment at the right time and in the right place.

Details are on our new website www.wchc.nhs.uk and below.

You can also contact your GP for non-emergencies or call NHS 111 if you are unsure about the best place to go.

If you or someone you know needs adult social care there’s also lots of information on our website about how to get help, including an online self-assessment.

It's important we do all we can to keep safe and well in winter. Cold, damp weather can be bad for our health and make us more vulnerable to illnesses.

It can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.

But there are things we can do to try and protect ourselves.

If you've got a cold, a virus or flu, remember antibiotics won't work.

You don't need to see your GP.

Your pharmacist can give you fast, effective advice.

Keeping warm can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Wear several layers of light clothes, as these trap warm air better than one bulky layer.

Heat your home to at least 18C (65F) and stay active – try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.

Hot drinks can help keep you warm and hydrated.

Remember to wear appropriate footwear to try and avoid any slips or falls.

Keep your bedroom window closed at night. Breathing cold air increases the risk of chest infections.

Make sure you're getting all the financial help you are entitled to.

Is your home energy efficient and have you taken advantage of financial schemes to keep up with energy bills?

Age UK have lots of information on line www.ageuk.org.uk or ring the Wirral branch 0151 482 3456.

Finally are you planning on making any New Year Resolutions?

Many people choose this time of year to resolve to make changes to their lifestyle.

It's never too late to take action.

The national NHS website has lots of advice, from alcohol and sexual health support to quitting smoking and eating well.

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2020.

Victoria Central Walk-in Centre & minor injuries:

Monday – Sunday (including bank holidays)

8.00am – 10:00pm

(X-ray facilities – open at 9.00am-8.30pm)

Eastham Walk-in Centre:

Monday – Sunday 12.00 noon – 8.00pm (including all bank holidays, except Christmas Day)

Arrowe Park Urgent Treatment Centre (previously Walk-in Centre):

Monday – Sunday 8.00am – 10:00pm (including bank holidays)

Victoria Central Health Centre Walk-in Centre is open 7 days a week, 8am to 10pm.

Eastham Walk-in Centre is open every day from 12 noon until 8pm and our Minor Injuries Unit at Victoria Central has X-ray facilities and is open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm.