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With Christmas just around the corner, health experts in Sefton are urging local patients to make sure they’re fully prepared should they become unwell in the holiday season. 

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG want to make sure residents know the steps they can take and which services to use should they become unwell.  

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG says: “All GP practices in Sefton will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. However, if you need urgent care or advice over the festive period, the NHS is here to help you. 

“For minor illnesses, you can see your local pharmacist who can offer you medical advice and over the counter remedies. Pharmacists will be happy to assist you there and then, with a free consultation.” 

Some pharmacies in Sefton are open on the bank holidays and walk-in centres continue to operate too. You can find out which pharmacies closest to you will be open, along with walk-in centre times by visiting the CCGs’ websites. 

If you have an urgent medical concern and you’re not sure what to do you can call NHS 111 or go to: 111.nhs.uk. It’s available 24 hours a day, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and they can arrange for you to see a doctor out of hours when your practice is closed.  

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, adds: “As well as NHS 111, there are other services available over the holidays, including extra GP appointments you can book on weekday evenings and at weekends.” 

Patients in Sefton have access to a range of non-urgent, routine, pre-bookable, appointments with GPs, practice nurses and medical specialists of an evening and at weekends. Your GP practice can offer more information about this service. 

Rob added: “I would also encourage people that have repeat prescriptions to ensure that they have enough medication to last through the holiday period but remember not to over order.”  

We recommend having the following items in your medicine cabinet at home to help you deal with minor ailments such as coughs, colds and sore throats: 

• Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Indigestion remedies 
• A first aid kit. 

For more information on what you can do to stay well this winter and your pharmacy opening times, please visit: www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services or www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services  

Southport and Formby pharmacy opening times 

South Sefton pharmacy opening times 

One Vision Housing (OVH), part of The Sovini Group, is delighted to unveil 23 affordable new homes in the popular area of Southport.

Featuring a collection of eight houses and 15 flats, the new Southport scheme supports OVH’s regeneration agenda by providing much needed affordable housing solutions to the area.

Built to a high specification by The Sovini Group’s building company, Carroll Build, these homes have been designed and constructed with modern living in mind. Additionally, flats within the development have been purpose built for accessibility with lift access available to each floor and wet room installations in select units.

Formerly the site of a derelict pub, this development’s Victorian-style respects the local character and enhances the overall street scene setting.

Ian Mitchell, Managing Director, One Vision Housing said:

“We are thrilled to announce the completion of 23 new build homes in Southport. This new development is part of our ongoing commitment to build thriving, inclusive communities.”

After receiving an extraordinary amount of interest via Property Pool Plus, all homes were allocated within 24 hours of handover. Here’s what one OVH customer had to say about their new home:

“I’m absolutely made up with this home. Not only is it affordable, and the perfect size for my family, but the area is ideal with lots of local shops and transportation nearby. The community is fabulous and I really couldn’t have asked for anything more from One Vision Housing.”

More homes are on the way from One Vision Housing with the promise of 1,100 new homes across Sefton and surrounding areas by 2021. Visit ovh.org.uk for more information.