IF calls to the ‘Shropdoc’ service are anything to go by people in Ludlow and south Shropshire did not have a healthy Christmas.

The service that people ring when they want to speak to a doctor outside surgery hours received a ‘flood’ of calls on Boxing Day and into Saturday.

Health chiefs say that in a 24 hour period there were more calls that are usually received over the whole weekend.

A plea has been issued for people to think carefully before calling the service.

The NHS says that many of the calls are unnecessary.

More than 600 people called the service in a 24 hour period.

But the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group said many of the calls could be dealt with elsewhere. In particular, a large number of callers are asking for repeat prescriptions or want to be treated for cold and flu-like symptoms.

“Shropdoc are dealing with the calls but they are triaging them – quite rightly dealing with the most urgent first,” said Dr Caron Morton, accountable officer of the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

“People needing repeat prescriptions will normally be low on the priority list. If someone needs a repeat prescription the best advice is to use a local pharmacist. They can very often issue urgently needed medicines.

“People who have heavy colds are also best getting over the counter remedies from their local pharmacy – there is nothing more effective that a GP can prescribe for a cold.”

Information about the location of pharmacies can be found by visiting

http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Pharmacy/LocationSearch/10