People in west Kent are being asked to help the NHS over Christmas and the New Year by planning ahead to avoid unnecessary crises.

The request comes from Dr Bob Bowes, who chairs NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which plans and pays for the area’s health services.

Dr Bowes said: “The NHS is very busy in the lead-up to Christmas and between Christmas and the New Year.

"People sometimes call out of hours GP services or go to A&E for simple problems, such as running out of medication, just because they haven’t thought ahead. This places great demand on those services and means they are less able to help those who need specialist care.

“We are making a plea to patients to make sure they have everything they need over the festive season so urgent services are free to help those who really need them. There’s a few simple things people can do now to have an enjoyable, healthy Christmas.”

Dr Bowes advises people re-order repeat medication before the festive season, stock up on over the counter medicine for colds and flu, remember that antibiotics are rarely necessary for sore throats or coughs, and stop illness spreading by using tissues for coughs and sneezes.

Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs are also common. If you are affected keep hydrated and stay at home for 48 hours after you last have symptoms to avoid giving it to anyone else.

He also points out that pharmacies can offer health support and should be the first port of call for common illnesses.

To find out which pharmacies are open over Christmas visit www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net or download Health Help Now from Google Play or the App Store.

If you need urgent medical help but it is not a 999 emergency, call the free NHS 111 phone service.

The Dementia Helpline is open 24 hours a day, on 0800 500 3014. Hopeline (08000 684141) is open from 2pm to 5pm on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Kent Mental Health Matters (08001 070160) is open all hours and the Samaritans are also open throughout the period on 08457 909090.