Bank holidays are traditionally busy for hospitals, and patients are reminded to Choose Well and use the most appropriate service for them. Many people go to Accident and Emergency Departments outside normal GP surgery hours, but there is a wider range of NHS services available over Easter to ensure people across North Somerset can get the help they need, when they need it. By choosing and using the right services, people can expect to be seen or treated in a timely manner.
Many visits to A&E could be treated quickly and appropriately by another NHS service. For example, coughs, colds, hay fever and sore throats can be alleviated with over-the-counter remedies available from local pharmacies. Stock up at home on common medicines, such as paracetamol, cold and flu remedies and cough medicine, so you are prepared if you fall ill with a cold, cough or flu bug. People who take medicines regularly should check if they have enough to last over the Easter period. If not, they should order a repeat prescription before the holiday.
Many common complaints, such as back-ache, minor injuries, stomach upsets and sore-throats can be treated by obtaining advice from your GP practice or by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Christine Perry, Associate Director of Nursing, said "Hospital Emergency Departments are for people with serious or life threatening conditions requiring immediate treatment.
"Through the Choose Well campaign, we are encouraging people to choose the right service to help reduce the pressure on emergency services and ensure everyone receives appropriate and timely care.
"If you do become ill, then there are many sources of help. These range from self care and looking after ourselves properly, through to making use of the experts that are out in the community or available at the end of a phone, and only as a last resort going to the hospital or calling 999."
For further information, please contact Caroline Welch, Head of Communications on 01934 647091 or carolinewelch@nhs.net