GPs across Norfolk and Waveney are reminding members of the public to stick to the rules about fireworks on bonfire night.
Dr Alistair Lipp, Medical Director at NHS Norfolk and Waveney said needless accidents occur every year with people taking risks resulting in injuries.
He added: “Don’t be a fool, stick to the safety rules.
“Healthcare services are always under pressure to cope, but around bonfire night we see injuries caused by fireworks that could’ve been avoided.”
The firework code states members of the public should:
-
Only buy fireworks that comply with British Standards or European equivalent
- Don’t drink alcohol if you’re lighting fireworks
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Don’t give sparklers to children under five
- Never put a firework in your pocket or throw them
- Never go back to a lit firework
- Keep pets indoors
- Light all fireworks at arms length
- Stand well back
If an injury has occurred, members of the public have a range of healthcare services for treatment and should “Choose Well” so they get the right care at the right place. Walk-In Centres and Minor Injury Units are available for urgent care and no appointments are needed.
Online information and telephone support is available in Norfolk through NHS Direct on 0845 4647 and www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
If you live in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area you can ring 111 as a first point of call for urgent care.
Dr Lipp said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable bonfire night, so anyone needing medical care should follow the Choose Well message. Selecting the right service for your needs may reduce the time you wait for appropriate treatment.”
Norfolk and Waveney has two Walk-In Centres:
- Norwich’s Castle Mall Shopping Centre in Timber Hill. The centre is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Call 0300 0300 333.
- Great Yarmouth also has a Walk-In Centre: NHS Greyfriars, Phoenix House, Howard Street South. The centre is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Call 01493 335340.
Five Minor Injury Units are spread across the patch:
- Beccles MIU, Beccles Hospital, St Mary’s Road. Open daily from 8am to 8pm. Call 01502 719820.
- Cromer MIU, Cromer Hospital, Mill Road. Open daily 8am to 8pm. Call 01603 646230.
- Halesworth MIU, Patrick Stead Hospital, Bungay Road. Open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Call 01986 872124.
- North Cambs MIU, North Cambs Hospital, The Park, Wisbech. Open 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Call 01945 488088.
- Southwold MIU, Southwold Surgery, York Road. Open from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Call 01502 722326.
Pharmacists can also offer help and advice on a range of minor health conditions, to enable people to treat themselves at home. There are several early and late-night pharmacies open. Information is available through NHS Direct in Norfolk or the 111 helpline in Great Yarmouth and Waveney. A list of pharmacies available in your area can be found on NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk
Dr Lipp added: “Obviously there are times when people may need to ring their GP out-of-hours or visit A&E in a genuine emergency.”
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