Islanders and visitors are advised to talk before you walk this bank holiday after a day of long delays at the Island’s walk-in health centre.
Waiting times at the Beacon Health Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport have been running at up to 3 hours today (Saturday), prompting a reminder to Islanders and visitors to ‘talk before you walk’ by calling the Island’s health advice line on 111 or visit a local Pharmacy first before heading for the Beacon.
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.
Unlike the mainland the NHS 111 service on the Island is fully integrated with other Island health and social care services. Advice is also available online atwww.nhs.uk.
