Avoid the ‘Bank Holiday blues’ by getting the right treatment

News from our partners Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group

As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, local patients are being reminded about the range of NHS services available to make sure you get the right treatment at the right time.

The Bank Holiday weekend is normally a very busy time for the NHS, especially if people are taking advantage of any good weather by having barbecues or getting around to some DIY.

People can access a variety of treatment and care by making sure they ‘choose well’ and use services such as their local community pharmacist, NHS 111 or Shropdoc.

Minor Injury Units in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch also offer excellent care and support over the Bank Holiday period for any minor accidents.

Simple tips to avoid the ‘Bank Holiday blues’ include:

• If you are on any repeat medication, ensure you have supplies of this or order a repeat prescription from your GP.
• Make sure your household has a few basic medical supplies, such as over-the-counter remedies, plasters and bandages, and antiseptic.
• Know which services are available even if your GP surgery is shut.

Dr Julian Povey, Shropshire GP and Chair of Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group said:

“It is important that local people know where to go if they are unwell, so that they can receive the best possible treatment in the quickest time for their condition.

“During Bank Holidays we tend to see an increase in calls to our out-of-hours GP service from people who have simply forgotten to re-order prescription medicines such as asthma inhalers. Your local pharmacist is well placed to give you professional advice, and a quick visit to your local pharmacy now can ensure you are well-equipped to deal with a range of minor illnesses and injuries.”

Dr Jo Leahy, Telford GP and Chair of NHS Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We want people to enjoy their long weekend but we want them to ensure they are prepared to be able to deal with any minor illnesses. By knowing more about the different health services available and what they offer, you can get yourself and your family the right treatment much faster.

“Pharmacists have years of training, and can now offer people expert advice and treatment for an increasingly wide range of conditions. If you have a health concern which doesn’t seem to be urgent, a visit to a pharmacy makes a lot of sense.” 

There is a holiday pharmacy rota operating in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, which can be found here (www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/pharmacists).

Patients can also call the out-of-hours GP service, Shropdoc, when their own surgery is closed on 0333 222 66 55.

Help and advice is available 24-hours-a-day by ringing NHS 111 (just dial 111) for free.

Bank Holiday Minor Injury Units opening times can be found here: http://www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/rte.asp?id=10004