Whether it’s wrapping up warm or slapping on the sunscreen and a hat this weekend, Islanders are being urged to take care of their health and make sure they consider the full range of NHS services available to them in the event of becoming poorly.
GPs will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday (27th May) which means that anyone who becomes unwell will need to be aware of all of the alternative local health services available. Patients who require repeat prescriptions are asked to think ahead now and make sure they have a sufficient amount of their regular medication in advance of the holiday weekend.
Many common injuries and illnesses including an upset stomach, coughs, colds and flu like symptoms can be alleviated with over the counter remedies, which are available from local pharmacies. Community pharmacists will also be able to provide expert advice on every day injuries or illnesses without an appointment and will be able to assess your symptoms and tell you when you need to visit your GP.
GPs should be visited if you have concerns about a condition that will not go away, or is getting worse. It is important to visit your GP if you have a recurring condition that is affecting your ability to function on a day to day basis.
Common complaints which can be treated at home with advice from the pharmacist include:
- Skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
- Coughs and colds including nasal congestion and sore throat
- Minor cuts and bruises
- Constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
- Hay fever and allergies
- Aches, pains, such as headaches, earaches and backaches
- Indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
- Period pain and thrush
- Warts and verrucas, mouth ulcer and cold sores
- Athletes foot
- Nappy rash and teething
The 111 service, which is available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, should be called if medical help is needed fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency. 111 is free to call from landlines and mobiles and is staffed by a team of fully trained call advisers on the Island, supported by nurses, paramedics and doctors, who are on hand to assess callers’ needs and ensure they receive the right service as quickly as possible. It guides patients to a locally available service or provides appropriate advice and information.
The Beacon Health Centre provides a 7 day a week GP Led Walk In service from 8am to 8pm daily. The Beacon Health Centre also provides an Out of Hours GP service when your own GP practice is closed. This includes medical advice and assessment should you have an urgent problem that cannot wait until you can arrange a visit to your own registered GP. To access the Out of Hours service, telephone 111.
