THOUSANDS of people suffering only minor ailments flooded a hotline for out-of-hours visits by doctors over Christmas.

About 5,500 calls were made between Christmas Day and Bank Holiday Monday when there would usually only be about 2,100 on a normal weekend.

The surge led to NHS Oxfordshire, the primary care trust, appealing to people not to call for a GP’s visit unless they were suffering from persistent symptoms that meant they had to see a doctor.

That would include vomiting, ear pain and rashes, or children suffering a fever.

It said people should have used the NHS Direct number – 0845 4647 – or their local pharmacy for advice in many cases, particularly if they were suffering coughs, sore throats, minor ailments, grazes, bruises and similar problems.

NHS Oxfordshire spokesman Josephine Wilkes attributed the more-than doubling of demand to seasonal illnesses, such as colds and flu, and sub-zero weather conditions.

Ms Wilkes said: “It’s always busier over Christmas because people are off work and, for some reason, when we shut down things come to the fore.

“There is usually an increase over the Christmas period but it has been higher this year.”

Ms Wilkes did not know if the out-of-hours GP system was overwhelmed by the demand or how many doctors were on duty.

Sula Wiltshire, NHS associate director of quality and clinical standards, said: “I would advise that people keep their first-aid kit well stocked at this time of year – it is also a good idea to ensure you have some paracetamol available in case of cold symptoms.

“This should be used in combination with drinking plenty of fluids and getting some rest.

“If you are unsure about any symptoms you have, your pharmacist will be able to advise you.”

NHS Direct is a 24-hour confidential nurse-led health advice and information service. It is available day and night and as well as the phoneline it operates a detailed website, nhsdirect.nhs.uk The GP out-of-hours service, which is available on 08453 458995, is run by Community Health Oxfordshire, part of NHS Oxfordshire.

NHS services available over the holiday period include Banbury Health Centre, in 58 Bridge Street, which is open from 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year. Minor injuries units and NHS out-of-hours dental services are also open.

For New Year opening time of pharmacies in the county, visit the website oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk, and follow the link for Local Services.

The 999 number is always available for emergencies.

jrivett@oxfordmail.co.uk