There are lots of services available to help with a variety of illnesses and injuries including pharmacies, GP practices, out-of-hours services, NHS111 and walk-in centres.

With the many services that are available, it can be confusing to decide where the best place is to be treated. Below are some examples of conditions that you might experience at Christmas and where to go for advice and treatment.

1. Cold & flu: Self care at home. If you are feeling a little run down after too many late nights, you may be more susceptible to a cold. Take pain-relieving paracetamol, stay well hydrated and rest.

2. An itchy rash on your skin: Pharmacy. Allergic reaction to that new aftershave you got for Christmas? Pharmacists will be able to assess a rash and provide you with medication to help alleviate your symptoms. For a list of pharmacies open on Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays in Norfolk please see the document accompanying this release, or visit www.nhs.uk.

3. Stomach ache: GP. Over-indulgence and eating lots of rich food over the festive period may lead to indigestion. Your pharmacist will be able to provide indigestion remedies, but if your stomach ache persists, your GP will be able to advise you of the best course of investigation and treatment.

4. A cut to your finger: Walk-in centre. Be extra careful using a very sharp knife to carve your Christmas turkey, but if you do cut yourself and it is fairly deep and bleeding, visit your walk-in centre or minor injuries unit where they will be able to advise and treat you if necessary. Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich is open from 7am-9pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including public holidays. Cromer Minor Injuries Unit is open seven days a week from 8am-8pm, including public holidays, 365 days a year.5. Sprains & strains: Walk-in centre, self care at home or GP. Rushing around on icy pavements to do your last-minute Christmas shopping can lead to slips and trips. Take care and wear supportive, flat boots or shoes if you venture out in ice or snow. If you do fall and sprain your ankle or wrist, you can visit a walk-in centre for assessment, rest at home, or make an appointment to see your GP.

Dr Jon Bryson, Chair of NHS South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (SN CCG), said: “People should make good use of their local pharmacy, many of which will be open over Christmas when other services may be closed. We are urging the public to choose well this winter, and pharmacies are the best place to get the right advice and treatment for coughs, colds and flu, along with many other illnesses.

“Another useful service to remember is NHS111, which offers health advice and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“We are also reminding people to make sure they have all the medication they need for the Christmas period and have ordered their prescriptions in time to cover the holidays.”