The doctors and nurses of Tamworth’s emergency department are always on the clock, ready to step up when the worst happens.

It’d be fair to say your festivities have probably gone a little awry if your Christmas Day involves a trip to the ED, but when the medicos don their uniforms, it’s as if they’re among family.

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Nurse Michael Henley said the festive shifts “weren’t too bad”, with four Christmases under his belt.

“It tends to be a little bit quieter, of course I’ve just jinxed myself by saying that,” he said.

“Thankfully, people are spending time with their families rather then spending time here with us.

“But you’re more than welcome, if you need to see us.”

Emergency doctor Rachael Morris had her first Christmas on the clock in 2017 and her first in warmer climes away from her home country, Ireland.

While it’s a world away from her Irish home, she said work is like a “big family”.

“We do long shifts and the work is stimulating and hard, so it’s a bonding experience working together,” Dr Morris said.

The doctor encouraged people to keep up their “non-alcoholic fluids” and ensure people have enough prescription medication to get through the holiday period.

“If people have been out camping, food poising has been a bit of a risk, if you’re doing outdoor cooking,” she said.

“The last thing anyone wants on Christmas day, is to be spewing all day and end up in the emergency department.”

While encouraging people to take precautions with intake and the heat, Mr Henley said he’s seen the kids’ new Chrissy toys have been a hazard in the holidays.

“There’s been a couple of adults who’ve injured their ankles and that sort of thing playing on the kids’ toys,” he said.

“Trying out the kids’ scooters and that sort of thing.”