27/03/2018 - Permalink

Helping local people stay well this Easter

Related topics: Adult social care / Health

News from our partners Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Helping people to have a cracking time this Easter, Shropshire CCG has some tips and advice about where to get help this Bank Holiday weekend.

Local residents are encouraged to be prepared and to know where to get the right treatment.

Dr Julian Povey, Clinical Chair, Shropshire CCG, said:

“The Easter Bank Holiday can be a busy time and many minor illnesses and injuries can be treated easily at home if you are prepared. As a GP, I would urge people to arrange their repeat prescriptions and to stock up those medicine cabinets with some essentials now.

“If you feel unwell, there are a range of healthcare services available in Shropshire to help you. Local pharmacists are open, on a rota basis, and can offer valuable health advice and over-the-counter remedies. For anything more urgent, but not life threatening, then NHS111 and Shropdoc are on hand. For life threatening serious emergencies there is always 999.

“The key is to plan ahead and know what to do should you need medical help over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. That way you can trust that the right help is there if you need it and you can get on with enjoying Easter.”

The following healthcare arrangements will be in place in Shropshire over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend:

      • Self-care – Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses can be treated with over the counter medicines and plenty of rest.  Having a few basic items in your medicine cabinet, like paracetamol, bandages, plasters, antiseptic cream and indigestion tablets, can save you time if you become ill – so take the opportunity to stock up now.
      • Pharmacies – Pharmacists can provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatments for a range of common illnesses and complaints – and no appointment is necessary. In Shropshire pharmacies will be open on a rota system over Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday.
      • GP / non-urgent medical advice – Most practices across Shropshire will be closed for the Easter weekend, but check with your own practice for local arrangements.

If you do need non-urgent medical advice over the weekend, then the following options are available:

  • Ask NHS App – This allows you to access the same services as you can by telephone – just in a digital format. It includes a virtual clinician and symptom checker and helps you to access appropriate care. You can download the ‘Ask NHS’ app via Google Play or Apple App Store.
  • NHS 111 – Help and advice is available 24-hours-a-day (just dial 111) free of charge from a landline or mobile. Trained advisors can provide information and direct you to the best healthcare service for you. This is not to be used for a 999 emergency. 
  • NHS Choices – Help is on hand at the click of a button on a range of health conditions and treatments. Visit the NHS Choices website.   
  • Shropdoc – Patients can call the out-of-hours GP service, Shropdoc, on 0333 222 6655 or visit https://shropdoc.org.uk/ for more information.
  • Walk-in Centre – The Walk-in Centre (based next to A&E at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital) is open every day from 8am to 8pm. No appointment is necessary. They can help with a range of symptoms from high temperatures in children, breathing problems, severe headaches, abdominal pain, painful infections through to mild injuries and burns.
  • Minor Injury Units – The Minor Injury Units (MIUs) are staffed by experienced nurses and offer treatment to anyone with a minor injury. This is a walk-in service – you do not need to be referred or to make an appointment, but please note they are not open 24 hours. If your condition cannot be dealt with at the MIU, you will be referred to another appropriate service. For more information on locations and opening times please visit our website.
  • 999 / Hospital Accident & Emergency – The Emergency Department (A&E) is intended for patients who have suffered a serious injury, severe illness or a medical emergency. The hospital Emergency Department is there for everyone in the event of an accident or emergency. An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation, such as: loss of consciousness; acute confused state and fits that are not stopping; persistent, severe chest pain; breathing difficulties  severe bleeding that cannot be stopped; severe allergic reactions; severe burns or scalds.  Choking, chest pain, blacking out, blood loss and fractures are all considered emergencies and those with these symptoms should not hesitate in visiting their local A&E department.
  • Out of hours dental services – Shropshire CCG doesn’t commission dental services. Please find details of local out-of-hours dental services here.
  • For further information on how to protect yourself and your family this Easter please visit www.nhs.uk.