Choose Well this bank holiday
NHS Norfolk and Waveney is urging everyone to “Choose Well” and plan ahead whenever possible for their medical care over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend.
Anyone who has medication on prescription is advised to make sure they order it early so they have enough medicine. Anyone who knows they will need an appointment to see their GP should ensure they book it in good time.
Ian Small, of the prescribing and medicines management team at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend, and so we advise anyone needing medical care to follow the Choose Well message. Selecting the right service for your needs may reduce the time you wait for appropriate treatment.
“If you know you will need to see a GP before the Bank Holiday, it is advisable to book an appointment as soon as possible, to ensure that you have appropriate advice and medication, if applicable, before the weekend.”
It is also important to remember that pharmacists can offer help and advice on a range of minor health conditions, to enable people to treat themselves at home.
Ian added: “This Bank Holiday, many people are likely to be out making the most of the long weekend.
“We want to reiterate that your local community pharmacist is always happy to offer prompt and professional advice to everyone, whether you need medication for yourself or for your child.
“Insect bites and travel sickness are just a couple of the minor health problems that pharmacists can recommend appropriate medication for.
“We encourage everyone to make their pharmacist their first port of call for minor ailments, rather than your GP.”
NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s “Choose Well” campaign helps people find the most appropriate care for their condition.
A thermometer logo (attached) signposts the way:
1. The first option is self care – many minor illnesses can be treated with rest and a well-stocked medicines cabinet at home. Make sure you have your regular medicines, plasters, medicines for colds, re-hydration sachets etc. If you have any concerns Norfolk patients can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Patients in Great Yarmouth and Waveney can call 111 the new helpline for urgent health calls.
2. Pharmacists will be able to offer you some advice about over-the-counter medicines – such as coughs and colds.
3. If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment you should call your GP. Remember the out-of-hours service is for urgent problems only, can it wait until morning?
4. If you need to be seen immediately but you do not have a serious illness or injury, you can access the Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm), the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm, the Greyfriars walk-in centre, Phoenix House, Howard Street South, Great Yarmouth from 8am-8pm. All are open 365 days a year. There are also three minor injury units (MIUs) open in Halesworth, Southwold and Beccles. The unit at Patrick Stead, Bungay Road, Halesworth, IP19 8HP, is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The unit at Beccles Hospital, St Mary’s Road, Beccles, NR34 9NQ, is open seven days a week between 8am to 8pm and the unit at Southwold Surgery, York Road, Southwold, IP18 6AN, is open from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
There are 174 community pharmacies across NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s area.
Pharmacy opening times can be found at www.norfolk.nhs.uk and at www.gywpct.nhs.uk or you can call NHS Direct for details of pharmacy services available in your area on 0845 46 47.
