Remember you can get urgent GP advice this bank holiday

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The bank holiday weekend is nearly here and for many people this means an enjoyable long weekend with friends and family, but for the NHS it can often mean an increase in demand.

Particularly with local events such as the Shrewsbury Folk Festival and the Shrewsbury Steam Rally, the local NHS is encouraging people to have fun but be safe. Especially if the weather turns nice, wear suncream and a hat and drink plenty of water.

People often turn up at hospitals with minor illnesses and injuries that could have been treated more quickly elsewhere, or at home.

Both Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin CCGs are reminding members of the public that they can get urgent GP advice over the bank holiday weekend from Shropdoc. If you are unsure whether your condition is serious enough for A&E, call Shropdoc who can advise you on whether you need treatment. Remember Shropdoc should not be used for repeat prescriptions.

GP practices will be open as normal on Tuesday, and can offer urgent advice or if appropriate appointments. If you think your condition can wait until after the bank holiday, please contact your GP practice then.

If you need urgent advice over the Bank Holiday weekend, you have a range of options including:

• Consult NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk to see if you can manage your illness at home.
• Speak to a pharmacist, who can offer you free, qualified health advice at any time, and no appointment is necessary.  From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses and answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines.
• Phone Shropdoc on 08444 068888 for telephone advice or a consultation with a clinician.
• Attend one of our walk-in-centres.
• Attend your local minor injury unit in Bridgnorth, Oswestry or Ludlow.

Carol McInnes, Shropshire CCG’s Head of Service Development and Redesign, said:

“We are expecting a busy weekend, and are encouraging patients to think if they really need urgent medical advice. If they do need urgent treatment there are a range of options available including GP out of hours advice through Shropdoc, pharmacies, walk in centres and the minor injury units in Shropshire. We are also reminding patients that Shropdoc should not be used for repeat prescriptions.

“Remember the minor injury units are not just for local residents in Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry. If you live in Shrewsbury or Telford you can also access these services if required.”

To find your nearest minor injury unit visit www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk

Dr Mike Innes, Chair of Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“To help us manage demand this weekend, we ask patients to think before going to A&E or dialling 999. Please remember A&E and 999 should only be used for emergencies or serious illnesses and injuries.

“We also know many people go to A&E the day after the bank holiday weekend, remember your GP practice can offer urgent advice and where needed appointments. If you think you need to be seen urgently let the receptionist know. If your condition is serious they will advise you on where you can be seen, alternatively if they don’t think it is urgent they will offer you an appointment within an appropriate amount of time.”

For more information visit www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk or www.telfordccg.nhs.uk