People in Teignbridge urged to choose well this winter
Sun 9 Jan 2011
NHS Devon is
asking people in Teignbridge to “choose well” over the winter by using NHS
services wisely.
People are
being urged to use the most appropriate medical service, whether that be from a
pharmacy, out-of-hours GP or a minor injuries unit.
Every time
someone goes to an emergency department and is discharged without needing
further treatment, the cost to the NHS is £124.
Research has
shown that as many as one in four visits to emergency departments are
unnecessary.
Dr Virginia
Pearson, director of public health at NHS Devon, said it was important that
people consider their options;
“There are a
range of NHS services available for people to choose from when they become ill
or have an accident. “We want people to think twice before they visit emergency departments or dial
999 as these are for life threatening and emergency conditions only. “There are plenty of healthcare options – other than emergency services - and
we are asking people to use these if they don’t feel it is an emergency.”
Tracey
McKenzie, matron from Teignmouth hospital, said that people could also help
themselves by ensuring they have a well stocked medical cabinet;
“It always pays to be prepared,” she said. “It is certainly worth buying cold
remedies, paracetamol, indigestion relief and plasters so you can treat
yourselves or your family without leaving home.”
For illnesses
or injuries that won’t go away you should contact your local GP. If you become
ill outside of normal surgery hours you can also contact the out-of-hours
medical service on 0845 6710 270
Your local
pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of
common illness and complaints. To find your nearest pharmacy you can go to www.nhs.uk or text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746 to receive three free texts with
details of your nearest pharmacies. Alternatively you can look in your phone
directory.
Minor
injuries units at community hospitals are led by specialist trained nurses and
are open every day, some providing a 24 hour service
For more
details on your local minor injuries unit or for advice and information about
any healthcare issue 24-hours a day contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Full details
of NHS services are available in the Yellow Pages or on NHS Devon’s website www.devonpct.nhs.uk. NHS Choices also
provides a full list of common illness, injuries, symptoms and advice www.nhs.uk
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