NHS Norfolk and Waveney and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust are urging people across Norfolk to choose their health services carefully over Easter to ensure they get the best treatment.
They are promoting the “Choose Well” campaign, an initiative which aims to help people find the most appropriate care for their condition.
The thermometer logo above signposts the way:
* 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 you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
* Pharmacists can offer you advice about over-the-counter medicines.
* If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment you should call your GP. If your call is on a Bank Holiday, at night or the weekend, you will be told how to contact the Out-of-Hours service. Remember this service is for urgent problems only, can it wait until morning?
* 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 The Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm) or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm. Both are open 365 days a year.
* 999 and A&E are only for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Anyone who has medication on prescription is advised to make sure they order it early and that they have enough medicine. Anyone who has health concerns or who knows they will need an appointment to see their GP should ensure they book it in good time, before the holiday period.
They are promoting the “Choose Well” campaign, an initiative which aims to help people find the most appropriate care for their condition.
The thermometer logo above signposts the way:
* 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 you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
* Pharmacists can offer you advice about over-the-counter medicines.
* If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment you should call your GP. If your call is on a Bank Holiday, at night or the weekend, you will be told how to contact the Out-of-Hours service. Remember this service is for urgent problems only, can it wait until morning?
* 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 The Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm) or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm. Both are open 365 days a year.
* 999 and A&E are only for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Anyone who has medication on prescription is advised to make sure they order it early and that they have enough medicine. Anyone who has health concerns or who knows they will need an appointment to see their GP should ensure they book it in good time, before the holiday period.
Dr Alistair Lipp, Medical Director at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable Easter.
“If you do need medical care, choosing the right service by heeding the Choose Well message may reduce the time you wait for appropriate treatment.
“If you know you will need to see a GP before the holiday period, it is advisable to book an appointment as soon as possible, to ensure that you have appropriate advice and medication, if applicable, before the holiday period begins.”
Nick Morton, associate director of clinical services for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) said: “Bank holidays are always particularly busy times for us so please ensure that we can get to those who really need our help by only calling in a genuine emergency.
“Such emergencies include if someone is suffering a suspected heart attack or stroke, complaining of chest pains, is unconscious or fitting, losing a lot of blood, suffering from a deep wound or head injury or struggling to breathe.
“999 is a lifeline, so use it responsibly, don’t abuse it.”
NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s Out-of-Hours service is also run by EEAST. It employs a team of mainly local GPs who provide emergency primary care to patients from a mixture of fixed bases and roving vehicles.
Dr Morton added: “The Out-of-Hours service is for those who need urgent assistance only. People across Norfolk and Waveney can help make it even more effective, by considering the other Choose Well options carefully. Please only call the out-of-hours service for genuine urgent problems.”
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.
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