Choose the right service over half term
People across the Vale of York looking to enjoy February half term with their families are being encouraged to choose the right NHS service should they suffer a minor illness or injury.
NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) want to make sure that people know the best place to go in order to get the most suitable treatment, should they encounter a cold or flu, bruise, sprain, minor wound or fracture.
Choosing the right service will ensure patients receive the best possible treatment, while freeing up busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.
Dr Mark Hayes, Chief Clinical Officer at NHS Vale of York CCG, said: “A&E departments are often seen as the first place to go, when in fact there are other NHS services that may be more suitable, such as your local pharmacy, walk in centre or GP.”
“Pharmacists can help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries, and many are open until late and at weekends. If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency, you can call NHS 111, which is a free service and can quickly direct you to the right service. It also ensures that the 999 number is kept free for very serious emergency medical cases.”
Having home remedies to hand is useful for minor illness and injury, so ensure that your medicine cabinet is stocked up with the following:
• Pain relief – paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most common painkillers and are available in tablet and liquid form. Aspirin and ibuprofen also reduce inflammation. Please note: aspirin should not be given to anyone under the age of 16.
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine – make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquid for the first 24 hours when symptoms appear in order to keep hydrated. Your pharmacist can also recommend rehydration drinks.
• Sore throat remedies – ask your pharmacist about sprays to ease soreness. Adults can also gargle with soluble aspirin to ease the pain.
• Cough remedies – ask your pharmacist about different types of linctus which will aid different types of coughs.
• Plasters and bandages – it always pays to be well-stocked in the event of minor cuts and scrapes. Ask your pharmacist about anti-allergy plasters.
• Thermometer – this can be useful if someone in the family develops a cold or if a young child becomes ill. As a general rule a temperature of over 37.5 (99.5F) is a fever.
• Antihistamines – these are useful for allergies and runny noses. Ask your pharmacist about the types available.
• Antiseptic cream – this is a medicine cabinet essential in the event or cuts and scrapes, as well as bites and stings.
For more information about treating common conditions visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.
