SOMERSET NEWS: Medical advice for the festive holiday season

FAMILY doctors in Somerset are reminding people that there are many ways they can help themselves and the NHS if they become ill over the Christmas holiday period.

Dr Ed Ford, the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group’s GP lead for urgent care, said the 24-hour NHS helpline on 111 would be available for people wanting medical advice.

“This time of year GPs see lots of patients with colds, coughs and sore throats,” he said. “But if you become ill over the Christmas or New Year holiday please stop and think what level of help or health advice you need and avoid rushing to a busy district hospital Accident and Emergency Department.

“You may only need some over-the-counter remedies from your local pharmacist? But if you become ill overnight the 111 telephone helpline service can put you through to the urgent out-of-hours GP service or advise you where to go can get the right treatment.

“The 111 helpline number is free to call – day or night - and it can save you a lot of time and inconvenience when you are not sure what health service you really need.”

If you start to feel unwell or need medical advice or support over Christmas and the New Year holiday here are some options:

SELF CARE: Keep a few common, over the counter remedies at home. They can help you to look after yourself. But make sure you see your pharmacist or GP if troublesome symptoms persist or worsen. Keep some medicines at home. These might include: Paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for indigestion or diarrhoea, plasters and a thermometer. Visit the NHS web site www.nhs.uk/staywell for advice.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACISTS: Cough or cold, feeling unwell and ill and need advice? Visit your pharmacy for personal advice on common illnesses and for information on the best medicines for treatment. You can find your nearest pharmacist by searching online at: www.nhs.uk or by telephoning 111.

TELEPHONE NHS 111: Telephone 111 when you need medical advice or information quickly or when you don’t know what to do or where to go for treatment. Calls to 111 are free from mobiles and landlines to this 24/7 service.

You should call 111 if you become ill after your GP surgery has closed and need advice or medical help. You will be assessed, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that will help you best.

YEOVIL HEALTH CENTRE: Located on the top floor of Boots in Middle Street, Yeovil, the centre is open all year round. All conditions which are not life threatening can be treated here. Yeovil Health Centre also provides emergency contraception and sexual health advice and treatment.

Normal GP and nurse care is available as well as quick and convenient health checks including blood pressure and cholesterol. No appointments are necessary, walk in for prompt attention. Open 8am to 8pm, telephone 01935 709 269 http://www.yeovilhealthcentre.nhs.uk/ .

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL MINOR INJURY UNIT: Many of Somerset’s community hospitals have Minor Injury Units (MIU). There are MIUs at community hospitals in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Frome, Glastonbury, Minehead and Shepton Mallet.

If your injury is not serious you can get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU) rather than a busy hospital A&E department. By doing so you allow A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious and life-threatening conditions and save yourself a potentially long wait.

To check your local MIU’s location and opening hours telephone 111 first or go to: http://www.sompar.nhs.uk/our_services/adult_services/minor_injuries_unit .

ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY: Only use A&E or call 999 for life threatening and emergency conditions. If a family member is experiencing chest pain, stroke, heavy bleeding or has become unconscious telephone 999 immediately for an ambulance.

Further information on how to protect yourself and your family visit can be found at: www.nhs.uk.

If any member of the public believes themselves, or a friend or relative, is experiencing a life threatening medical emergency then they should always telephone 999 and ask for an ambulance.

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