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29 April 2015

South Gloucestershire Bank Holiday healthcare

Choose wisely for non-emergency care this Bank Holiday weekend

South Gloucestershire residents are being urged to think about the most appropriate place to go for non-emergency care if they, or their families, become unwell over the early May Bank Holiday weekend (2-4 May).

Choosing the most appropriate service

  • Plan ahead: If you have a long-term condition that requires repeat prescriptions, you'll want to make sure you have enough medication to last the weekend. Act early by ordering and collecting your prescription while your local GP practice and pharmacy are open.
  • Self-care: Some very minor ailments, such as colds or sore throats are best treated at home. Get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can plan ahead by stocking up on some healthcare essentials - paracetamol or aspirin, indigestion remedies and plasters for example. You can find all these at your local pharmacy.
  • Dial 111: The NHS 111 service is available for when people urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. The service is free to dial from a mobile or landline and is staffed by trained advisers and nurses, who can assess symptoms, provide healthcare advice or direct you straight away to the local service that can help you best.
  • GP: Your GP surgery should be your first port of call for non-urgent, on-going illnesses or injuries. Many GPs are open longer hours now - including early morning, late evenings and Saturdays, with offer emergency appointments for urgent cases. You can also see a GP outside of usual opening hours - call 111 to contact your local out-of-hours service.
  • Pharmacists can provide expert, confidential advice and treatment for minor ailments as well as advising on contraception and sexual health. Best of all, while there may be a very small wait, there is no need for an appointment. Many pharmacies are open over the Bank Holiday weekend - check the South Gloucestershire CCG website for details of opening times at www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/openingtimes  
  • Minor Injuries Units(MIUs) treat less serious injuries such as cuts and grazes, sprains and strains and trips and falls. They're open seven days a week and you don't need to book an appointment. MIUs are available at Southmead Hospital, Yate Westgate Centre and Clevedon Community Hospital.

Please see here for further information: www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk

 


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