NHS professionals are urging people to choose well as the cold snap is causing an increase in activity for the whole health system in Suffolk today.
People with breathing problems and viral infections are particularly susceptible, and some NHS activities are themselves being hampered by the poor weather conditions.
If you feel ill, then there are effective ways to get advice and help, such as via the NHS Direct website at www.nhs.uk or from your local chemists or minor injuries clinic or walk-in centre. Choosing well will both get the best service for you and will help keep hospitals and ambulances available for those with critical or life-threatening illnesses.
Sue Hayter, Director of Patient Safety and Clinical Quality at NHS Suffolk, said:
“It’s absolutely vital for you to get the most effective treatment and that you choose the right care. In many cases with a bit of reassurance, people can treat minor illness or injury themselves. If you are in any doubt, please try the web advisory service, NHS Direct at www.nhs.uk or call 0845 46 47. Your local pharmacist (chemist) is a great resource of advice and help with many conditions and minor injury problems. Don’t be afraid to ask!”
“If your condition is more serious, you may need an examination or a prescription, then please use the Minor Injuries Unit at Felixstowe Community Hospital which is open 7am to 10pm seven days a week, Ipswich Minor Injuries Unit (Riverside Clinic) which is open 8am to 10pm seven days a week or the walk-in centre at The Crown Health Centre, Haverhill which is open 8am to 8pm seven days a week.”
“If you have an illness that just will not go away, or an injury that is not improving, then make an appointment with your local GP (doctors) surgery. NHS Suffolk’s Service Locator at www.suffolk.nhs.uk (home/service/service locator) can tell you where your nearest surgery is. Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments at West Suffolk and Ipswich hospitals or a 999 call should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation, including serious injury.”
Gwen Nuttall, executive chief operating officer at West Suffolk Hospital, said: “We have been very busy over the past few days, with large numbers of people coming into our A&E unit and significant levels of emergency admissions.
“We would urge everyone to help us to help them by thinking carefully about the best place to go for treatment this winter. A range of advice for minor conditions is available from your pharmacist or GP, or alternatively you can contact NHS Direct at any time of the day or night. We never turn patients away, but would urge people to use their A&E unit responsibly and only come in if it is absolutely necessary.
“We would also like to remind people that we are currently closed to visitors in an attempt to contain an outbreak of norovirus. We’re asking the public to work with us to control the outbreak by staying away – even if you don’t feel unwell. Exceptions will be made for people visiting paediatric, maternity, intensive care and palliative care patients. Anyone who does come into the building can help by washing their hands with soap and water in the portable sinks we have provided in the foyer to prevent the virus from spreading further.”
Due to the bad weather, we are asking anyone who is due to be admitted to hospital or has an outpatient appointment not to put themselves at risk if travelling is difficult.
Anyone who cannot get to the hospital should ring the appointments department as soon as possible, at West Suffolk on 01284 713713 or at Ipswich Hospital on 01473 712233 so that their appointment or admission can be rearranged.
Note to Editors:
Summary guide to choosing the best service for you is on the front page of NHS Suffolk’s website at www.suffolk.nhs.uk.
Choose well from the following:
Self-care
For treating minor illnesses or injuries yourself.
Call NHS Direct
For round-the-clock health queries call 0845 46 47 at any time of the day or night. You can also check symptoms at www.nhs.uk.
Local pharmacist
For advice for treating common winter illnesses and the best medicines to use.
Visit your GP
For medical advice, examinations or an illness or injury that require a prescription.
NHS walk-in centres
For treating minor illnesses and injuries, there is one in Felixstowe, Ipswich and Haverhill – all three opening seven days a week, including public holidays.
A&E or dialling 999
Only for serious illness or injuries considered to be critical or life-threatening.
Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk
