Essential information for Bucks, Beds & Herts over Christmas
From bin collections to pharmacy opening times
Christmas looks very different this year, but we still need to know when the bins are collected!
This is our guide for Buckinghamshire and parts of Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire over the festive period.
A reminder that we are in Tier 4, which means lots of restrictions on what we can and can't do.
Bin collections
In Dacorum (Tring/Berkhamsted) bin collections after Christmas will be slightly delayed, by one or two days.
You can find the details here.
In Buckinghamshire, there will also be delays to when your bins are collected and garden waste pick-ups are suspended at times.
Here are the details in:
Over in Central Bedfordshire, a similar plan is in place.
Pharmacies
Bucks CCG say we should plan ahead where possible for things like repeat prescriptions:
"If you do go to a pharmacy, please follow the social distancing guidelines and any other measures that may be being taken to protect both you and their staff.
"If you have coronavirus symptoms, you should stay at home."
Not all pharmacies are open, but you can find a list of places and times here**.**
Find information for the Tring & Berkhamsted area here**** and for Bedfordshire** here.
Healthcare
As ever, we are encouraged to use the NHS' 111 service if we can to seek help/advice on health matters, before turning up at A&E.
You'll find information on accessing Buckinghamshire's hospitals during this time on their website.
We've also got lots of information on taking care of your mental health here.
Feeling unwell?
You should call 999 in a medical emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s is the free number to call when you have an urgent healthcare need. It directs you to the right local service, first time.
Info on getting help with your mental health
Text their helpline if you are struggling with mental health at this time of year: Text Hector to 85258
The GP-led minor injuries and illness unit (MIIU) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, based at High Wycombe hospital.
The out of hours GP service in Bucks is accessed by calling NHS 111, they will asses your condition and then decide if you need referring to this service.
Travel
We are advised not to leave the Tier 4 area and to stay as local as possible during this time.
Chiltern Railways has advice if you do need to make an essential journey here.