Stay healthy over the Bank Holiday weekend
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People in
Every year, the Emergency Departments (A&E) in Devon see almost 300,000 patients (Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital sees about 94,000 patients, North Devon District Hospital about 40,000 patients, Derriford Hospital more than 90,000 patients and over 70,000 at Torbay Hospital), a number of who have common illnesses or ailments.
Many of these patients could have avoided going to the emergency department by getting expert advice and quicker access to treatment from other local NHS services like NHS Direct, a local pharmacist, your own GP practice (in-hours), or by attending a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre.
Some could have quite safely taken care of themselves with just basic self-care, first aid and advice.
There are a number of steps people can take to make sure they are prepared for the short period when GP surgeries are closed after Friday 26 August until Tuesday 30 August.
These measures include:
- Requesting any necessary repeat prescriptions in good time to cover the few days when surgeries are closed
- Taking sufficient quantities of medicines away for their holiday or weekend break
- Stocking up the medicine cabinet with over the counter remedies for ailments such as headaches, stomach upsets and indigestion
- Ensuring you have remedies for children
- Checking the opening times of local pharmacies and GP surgeries.
Dr David Jenner, a GP from Cullompton, said:
“We know that many people like to get out and about and enjoy themselves on the August Bank Holiday but at the same time they shouldn’t forget to take care of themselves.
“Over Bank Holidays there is usually a large increase in the number of people who make unnecessary calls to emergency services and the Devon Doctors out-of-hours service. This creates a problem for people who have a real need for these services.
“If you are in doubt over where to get treatment it is advisable to contact NHS Direct as this could save time spent in waiting rooms.
“One of the best ways to avoid injury or illness spoiling your fun this weekend is to stock up on medicines beforehand.
“Some suggestions for your medicine cabinet include plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes, safety pins, sterile gloves, scissors and tape, a thermometer, insect cream, painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen, cough medicine and anti-diarrheal medicines.”
Many pharmacies will operate more limited hours on Bank Holiday Monday and opening hours are available here on NHS Devon’s website, www.devonpct.nhs.uk or from NHS Direct. Many supermarkets have pharmacies and will usually operate normal “Sunday hours” on the Bank Holiday.
For general health advice you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or go online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk . NHS Direct operates a 24-hour health advice and information service, providing confidential information. You can also download a free app for your smartphone to access the NHS Direct symptoms checker on the move - http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/News/LatestNews/MobileAppLaunch
If you have an urgent medical problem that cannot wait until your surgery reopens you can call Devon Doctors the out-of-hours service for
Patients that require urgent dental care outside of normal working hours should contact 01392 823 682.
However, if it is an emergency you should not hesitate to call 999 immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.
