People who are ill over the Christmas holiday are being urged to make sure they know how to get the correct treatment.

Thousands of Get The Right Treatment leaflets have been sent out to GPs across the district to make sure patients know what healthcare options are available.

Dr Andy McElligott, medical director at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “Helping people make the right choice about which health service to use will not only benefit them, but also helps doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in making sure people receive the right care.

“Demand on emergency services increases at this time of year, so it is important patients stop and think ‘does this injury or illness really require emergency treatment?’ “Many winter health problems can be solved by staying at home and taking over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.”

GP surgeries will be closed from tomorrow to December 29 and again from January 1-4. During this time, people needing urgent care should contact West Yorkshire Urgent Care out-of-hours service on 0345 605 99 99. This is a 24-hour service.

Local Care Direct Bradford at Hillside Bridge Healthcare Centre, 4, Butler Street West, is open 8am to 8pm seven days a week including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It offers both drop-in and pre-bookable appointments for registered and non-registered patients and can be contacted on 0845 121 1024.

NHS Direct can also give help and advice on health and emergency contraception on 0845 46 47 or at nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

In a real emergency, dial 999 or go to A&E.

Other health advice includes keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet and over 65s, pregnancy women and those with long-term conditions such as diabetes should protect their health by having a flu jab.