The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is reminding Islanders to use NHS services appropriately this Easter holiday.
All GP Practices will be closed on Friday 25th and Monday 28th March. The Beacon Centre is for individuals with urgent healthcare problems.
Dr Amy Poyner, Medical Director at The Beacon Centre says:
“It is important that our limited staff resources at The Beacon Centre are used to help those who have urgent healthcare needs. The problems recruiting GPs to the Island are well publicised and we would encourage everyone to ring 111 for advice – ‘talk before you walk’ to avoid a long wait.”
Anyone with minor illnesses is encouraged to go along to a community Pharmacy for advice. Pharmacists are medically trained so if your pharmacist thinks your health problem is something more serious, they will be aware when you need to see a doctor. Details of the opening times of pharmacies can be found at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/important-information/local-chemists.
Hospital, Ambulance and Community services are extremely busy and need to be able to ensure they can attend to those people with more serious conditions in a timely manner.
If you need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency, the Island based NHS 111 service is able to advise and direct you to the service which can help. You can telephone 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Emergency Department at St. Mary’s Hospital and 999 are for life-threatening emergencies, such as:
• loss of consciousness
• acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• persistent, severe chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• if you have been referred by your GP for urgent assessment
People are encouraged to take more care with their health where possible by either asking their local pharmacy staff for advice, looking for advice on line (www.nhs.uk) or self-treating using some basic medicine cabinet essentials. Information about local health services is available at www.iow.nhs.uk.
Dr Poyner continued:
“In addition to the difficulties we have recruiting GPs we are also seeing a change in the severity of the cases we are seeing due to an ageing population. Islanders can help us by ensuring they are registered with a GP and visit them when regular treatment and checkups such as blood pressure tests are required. It’s also important ensure that you get your repeat prescriptions on time. Many common ailments can be treated by your local pharmacist many of whom are open over the Easter weekend.”
