SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Patients reminded to leave hospital A&E to most seriously injured over Christmas

GPs at Yeovil Health Centre, the walk-in service on the first floor of Boots store in Middle Street, are reminding local people and visitors to think twice before they head off to a busy district hospital Accident & Emergency department with only minor ailments or injury over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Lisa Tabner, practice manager at Yeovil Health Centre, said: “When a minor accident or illness happens some people become alarmed and will sometimes set off to Yeovil District Hospital A&E department without thinking.

“People should remember that they can help themselves and the NHS if they take a few seconds to think what treatment they really need.  If they are sure they don’t have any broken bones, are not seriously ill or facing a life threatening condition Yeovil Health Centre will be a more convenient and appropriate place to treat their ailments.

“If you don’t know what health service is best for your needs then telephone 111.  This 24 hour NHS health helpline is free to call from mobile or home phone and staff will signpost you to the information or health service that will best meet your needs.”

PHOTO – TOP: Pictured back row are Joel Willson (Data and Performance Lead), Lisa Tabner (Practice Manager), Helen Bugden (Receptionist/Administrator), Janice Jones (Lead Receptionist/Administrator), Julie Salter (Assistant Practice Manager), Laura Davey (Nurse Practitioner); middle row are Mandy Evans (Nurse Practitioner), Paula Evans (Senior Receptionist) and front row are Jo Ralph (Practice Nurse) and Michelle Faller (student nurse).

PHOTO – RIGHT: The Yeovil Health Centre in Middle Street, Yeovil.

Yeovil Health Centre is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Yeovil Health Centre can be found at the First Floor, Boots, 37 Middle Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1LS.

For information about NHS Yeovil Health Centre call 01935-709269 or for further information visit www.yeovilhealthcentre.nhs.uk .

For nearest car parking patients can park at the Quedam Car Park which is open from 8am to 6pm (no charge on Sundays and Bank Holidays). There is a lift to Level 1 which is on the same level as the entrance to the Boots Store.

Yeovil Health Centre staff can stitch cuts; remove foreign bodies from ears and noses etc; remove splinters; dress minor wounds, cuts and grazes and provide screening and treatment for Chlamydia.

It can also treat sprains and strains; minor burns and scalds; assessment of minor head injuries; insect and animal bites; minor eye injuries and other minor injuries.

But Yeovil Health Centre CANNOT treat broken bones as it does not have X-ray facilities; unconscious patients; serious medical conditions; major injuries; overdoses; alcohol-related problems or mental health problems.

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