12/08/2016 - Permalink

Patients encouraged to plan ahead for Bank Holiday

Related topics: Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Telford and Wrekin CCG

Doctors in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are encouraging people in the county to plan their healthcare ahead of the summer Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August 2016.

With advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them, visiting the pharmacist or phoning either NHS 111 or Shropdoc can save you time in the waiting room and help you feel better fast.

A Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) can also deal with many minor conditions. There are MIUs at Ludlow, Whitchurch, Oswestry and Bridgnorth. They can deal with conditions like:

  • Bites
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Fractures that require a plaster
  • Minor burns and scalds
  • Minor head injuries where the patient has remained conscious.

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

“If you’re not feeling well over the Bank Holiday weekend, please take some time to consider where you should go to find help.

“That could mean getting advice from your local pharmacy, dialling NHS 111, or Shropdoc on 0333 222 6655 for more urgent, but not life-threatening, matters. Pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems.

“MIUs also offer a great service. Each unit is staffed by experienced nurses and offer a walk-in service which means there is no need to make an appointment.”

Dr Jo Leahy, Chair of NHS Telford and Wrekin CCG, said:

“We want people to have fun and stay safe over the Bank Holiday, and a little bit of forward planning will really help with that.

“For those with long-term health problems, taking daily medication is an important part of their treatment. It’s worth checking your medicine cabinet to make sure you have enough supplies for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

“Pharmacies are also the ideal place over the Bank Holiday weekend to get over the counter remedies and advice for minor problems such as coughs and colds or ailments like bumps and grazes.”

For more information on staying safe and well this summer, visit Shropshire Council’s Stay Safe and Well this Summer at https://shropshire.gov.uk/stay-safe-and-well-this-summer/.

The website offers a host of advice for people young and old, to help keep cool and hydrated throughout the hot weather. Shropshire’s Stay Safe and Well this Summer also provides advice and information on home and personal safety, and signposts people to other summer-related advice including:

  • Summer health – NHS advice on how to stay well throughout the summer months
  • Heatwave advice – advice to ensure the hot weather doesn’t harm you or anyone you know
  • Insect bites and stings – tips and advice on what do if you’re stung or bitten by an insect
  • Skin care – advice on being ‘sun smart’ and help reduce the risk of skin cancer
  • Personal and home safety – advice to help reduce the risk of summer crime
  • Leisure safety –  information and advice on camping, fireworks and water safety.
  • Other information includes, travel and festival advice, information for practioners who support vulnerable people, as well as ‘What’s on’ during the summer months.

Some pharmacies in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, will remain open on Monday 29 August 2016. For more information, please visit http://www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/pharmacists.

For information about minor injuries units, please visit http://www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/