Stay Informed on Healthcare Options Over the Festive Season
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to be aware of the healthcare services available to you, especially if you need medical attention. The Isle of Man’s health service, Manx Care, has outlined its festive season healthcare provisions, ensuring that key services remain accessible during the holidays.
While many services will remain available, it’s essential to note that some will have adjusted operating hours. This change follows a reminder from the public health directorate to practice “good respiratory etiquette” to help minimize the spread of winter illnesses, such as flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus.
Public Health consultant Ross Keat emphasized that spending more time indoors during the colder months could make it easier for winter viruses to spread. If you feel unwell, it’s recommended to call your GP or a local pharmacy for advice on managing winter infections, rather than visiting in person and risking further spreading illness.
Key Healthcare Services Over the Holidays
Several essential services will continue operating over the Christmas period, though some will have modified hours. The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Ramsey Cottage Hospital and the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at Noble’s Hospital will remain open as usual. However, X-ray services will not be available at the Ramsey facility during bank holidays.
Manx Care has also updated the hours for several services, including the Manx Emergency Doctors Service (MEDS) and Patient Transfer services.
- MEDS will be available 24 hours a day on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day when GP surgeries are closed. On other days, MEDS will operate from 6:00 PM to midnight.
- Pharmacies remain a reliable source of advice and treatment for minor ailments through the Minor Ailments Scheme.
Other Important Service Updates
The Patient Transfer office will be closed from December 25 to December 29, and on January 1, but the air ambulance service coordinator will be available for emergency situations.
Emergency dental care will be available as part of the emergency dental rota during this period.
For mental health support, the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service at Noble’s Hospital will be open from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, when it will be closed. However, the Macmillan UK support line is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Mental Health and Crisis Support
The festive season can be isolating for some, and Dr. Keat encourages individuals to reach out to their support network of family, friends, and colleagues. Charities are also available for those facing crisis situations.
Manx Care’s Crisis Response Home Treatment Team will be available throughout the holidays, and the Samaritans helpline is open 24/7 all year round. For medical emergencies or situations that present an immediate risk of harm, people are urged to call 999.
Vaccination and Other Services
Manx Care’s vaccination service will be closed from Wednesday through Friday and on New Year’s Day, but it will resume normal service at 9:30 AM on January 2.
Source: BBC News