Get The Right Treatment This Christmas and New Year
Local NHS healthcare organisations have joined forces to remind the public how they can help themselves and the NHS this Christmas and New Year by preparing for common winter ailments and choosing the right treatment if they become ill.
National surveys have shown that an alarming number of us keep no over-the-counter remedies in the home to relieve the symptoms of common conditions such as an upset stomach, headache, sore throat, colds or flu.
Patient surveys also tell us that many people are unsure where to go for medical help when their GP surgery is closed.
Brian Kennedy, Senior Charge Nurse at Poole Hospital’s Emergency Department, said: “This is a busy time for the Emergency Department (A&E) and despite extra staffing, some delays in seeing people is inevitable. Following these guidelines will help us to run a smoother, responsive service which in turn will lead to a better service for all. Anybody who is feeling unwell over the holiday period and is unsure if they should contact any of the emergency or out-of-hours teams should always call NHS Direct for advice. Please remember it’s meant to be a happy time of year, and acting sensibly and soberly may avoid an unwanted visit to the department.”
1. MEDICINES & PHARMACIES
- Stock up your medicine cabinet with essentials such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, cold and indigestion remedies.
- If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to cover the holiday period.
- Don’t forget that you can get free help and advice about minor health problems from your local pharmacist, and you don’t need an appointment.
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to check on Christmas opening times for pharmacies.
2. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (A&E)
- It is important that people only use Emergency Department (A&E) for genuine emergencies, such as suspected heart attack, suspected broken bones, severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, unconsciousness, heavy blood loss, deep wounds, head injury.
- If you or your family member needs emergency hospital treatment you should go to your nearest emergency department (A&E) or call 999 for an emergency ambulance.
- If you think the person may die if they don’t get urgent medical treatment, don’t delay – dial 999 for an ambulance. Help by giving them your postcode.
3. NHS DIRECT – 0845 46 47
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for non-urgent problems or to obtain health information and advice. It is a telephone service staffed by trained nurses, and provides healthcare advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- NHS Direct can also advise on information about where to find an out-of-hours pharmacy, emergency dental treatment, emergency contraception or local self help and support organisations.
- Information on common ailments and health conditions can be found on the NHS Direct website (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk).
4. OUT OF HOURS MEDICAL SERVICE – 0845 600 10 13
- If you become ill after your GP surgery has closed you can call the Dorset & Somerset Urgent Care Service on 0845 600 10 13. This service is not for routine appointments or enquiries.
- The service operates between 6.30pm and 8.00am Monday to Friday and at weekends (including Saturday mornings) and on Bank Holidays.
- You will be asked for details and a doctor will call you back.
5. MINOR INJURIES UNITS
- Your nearest minor injuries unit can deal with illnesses or injuries that are not serious enough to need a visit to an Emergency Department (A&E).
- Call NHS Direct to find your nearest minor injuries unit and check on Christmas opening times.
6. URGENT DENTAL ADVICE – 0845 701 04 01
- If you need dental advice and your dentist is closed, call the Urgent Dental Advice Service on 0845 701 04 01.
- The service operates between 6.30pm and 8am on weekdays, at weekends and over bank holidays. It is not for routine dental appointments.
Date: 20 December 2007