Press release
Choose Well and be prepared for the Spring Bank Holiday
Local people are being urged to be prepared for the extra long Bank Holiday weekend in early June by having a well stocked medicine cabinet and by considering the full range of NHS services available to them.
This year, the Spring Bank Holiday (Monday 4th June) is swiftly followed by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (Tuesday 5th June). Patients are urged to consider that many common injuries and illnesses including an upset stomach, coughs, colds and flu like symptoms can be alleviated with over the counter remedies which are available from local pharmacies.
Patients who require repeat prescriptions are also asked to think ahead and get hold of the required amount in advance of the holiday weekend.
By choosing and using the right services, patients can expect to be seen or treated more quickly, whilst keeping emergency services available for those patients who need them most. Choosing the right service also helps to make sure that the limited NHS resources available to Bury are being spent wisely.
“Many common complaints, such as back-ache, minor sports injuries, upset stomachs, coughs, colds and flu like symptoms can be treated by having a well stocked medicine cabinet at home.” Said Dr. Kiran Patel, Clinical Lead for Bury’s Clinical Commissioning Group. “Just having a few basic essentials at home can help you to treat the symptoms of a range of common illnesses and injuries.”
“Patients can also get advice from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or by accessing one of the range of services available in Bury, including local community pharmacies, a patient’s own GP practice and Prestwich Walk-in Centre. For patients that need treating today, but can’t get an appointment with their own GP practice, they can get fast access at Bury Urgent Treatment Centre based within Moorgate Primary Care Centre. By choosing the right NHS service patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time.”
A&E teams are routinely being faced with having to deal with minor cases such as small cuts, coughs and colds, backache and upset stomachs on a daily basis.
Dr. Kassim Ali, consultant in emergency medicine at Fairfield General Hospital A&E in Bury said: “By choosing and using the right health services, patients can expect to be seen or treated by the most appropriate health professional. The A&E departments are the right place for those people who are extremely unwell and need urgent medical attention.”
Patients are urged to consider the full range of NHS services available to them. By choosing the right NHS service patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time. Advice about self care and details of local health services are available via the NHS Bury website www.bury.nhs.uk or by visiting the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk
- Self care – treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries at home
- NHS Choices – online advice and information www.nhs.uk
- NHS Direct – 24/7 advice and information call 0845 46 47
- Pharmacy – expert advice and treatment for a range of common health problems
- GP – make your GP practice your first port of call for advice, guidance and treatment
- Bury Urgent Treatment Centre – if you need treating today, this doctor-led service is open every day from 8am to 10pm, no appointment needed. The service offers an alternative choice for anyone who can’t get a same day appointment at their own GP practice, when they are suffering from an ailment, illness or injury that needs assessing quickly, but isn’t serious enough to require a visit to A&E. First floor Moorgate Primary Care Centre, 22 Derby Way, Bury, BL9 0NJ
- Prestwich Walk-in Centre – a nurse-led service open every day from 8am until 8pm, no appointment needed. The Walk-in Centre offers treatment for a range of minor ailments and illnesses, including medication if appropriate. Fairfax Road, Prestwich, M25 1BT
- A&E/999 – A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation
ENDS
Date: 22nd May 2012
For press & media enquiries: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email bur-pct.communications@nhs.net