Think Pharmacy First this bank holiday
People across the Vale of York looking forward to enjoy the bank holiday break with their families are being encouraged to choose the right NHS service should they suffer a minor illness or injury.
Local health and care services want to make sure that people know the best place to go in order to get the most suitable treatment so choosing the right service will help patients to receive the best possible treatment, while freeing up busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.
Dr Nigel Wells, a local GP and NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group's Lay Chair 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 or an urgent care centre.
“If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 which will quickly direct you to the right service. It also ensures that the 999 number and emergency departments are kept free for very serious emergency medical cases.”
“Pharmacists can help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries, and many are open on a Bank Holiday.
“Having home remedies to hand is very useful for minor illnesses and injuries, so ensure that your medicine cabinet is stocked up with these.”
Some example of items to have at home include:
Pain relief – paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most common painkillers and are available in tablet and liquid form. Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation.
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. Anti-allergy plasters are available too.
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.
Dr Wells added: “Our local NHS services are precious, please make sure that you get the right care, first time.
“Information about treating common conditions is available online at www.nhs.uk. The CCG also provides a raft of help and advice on its website at www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk/yourhealth." 
