Monday 22 August 2016

Bank holiday weekend health advice


With the bank holiday weekend approaching, GPs in east and west Suffolk are reminding people that the right help is available to deal with injury and illness.

Dr Christopher Browning, a GP in Long Melford and chairman of NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group said: “By choosing the right health care option you will get treated more quickly and lessen the pressure on health staff over this busy weekend.

“Being prepared is the best option and could save a stressful dash to a pharmacy or an unnecessary trip to your hospital's emergency department (A&E).  One of the best ways to be prepared is to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet. It’s not expensive to stock up on basic items such as sticking plasters, paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea medicine and indigestion remedy. Ask your pharmacist for advice on what you medicines you should keep at home."

Dr Mark Shenton, a GP in Stowmarket and chairman of NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group said: “There are a number of pharmacies open over the holiday weekend where you can access help and advice as well as  over-the-counter medication for many minor injuries and illnesses.

"If you have forgotten to order your regular medicine from your GP and run out over the holiday period  your pharmacist may be able to help by providing an emergency supply. Please remember to take your repeat slip or empty pack(s) with you to show the pharmacist what you usually take.

"The Suffolk GP+ service is based in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds and will be open over the weekend and on the bank holiday Monday. You can book an appointment with a GP or nurse practitioner in advance and you need to do this through your own GP practice.

“If you need help fast and it’s not life-threatening then you should call NHS 111.  The 111 number is available 24/7 and a trained advisor will help you. Perhaps you have a question about medication or a medical concern about yourself or someone else; maybe you want to find your nearest pharmacy that’s open on bank holiday Monday or perhaps you have a health question that can’t wait until your GP surgery is open or you think you need to access the out-of-hours service."

Click on link below to read list of pharmacies open on Monday 29 August HERE

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