OOH service: Safe, effective but for urgent problems only
NHS Norfolk is reminding the public that the Out of Hours primary care service is for urgent problems only.
Medical Director Dr Bryan Heap, said: “We continue to work with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust to ensure we have a safe and effective out of hours service. Patient surveys indicate a generally high level of satisfaction and the service is regularly monitored for both clinical safety and patient satisfaction.
“At a time when there has been much debate about out of hours care it is worth reminding everyone that the out of hours service is designed to be for urgent problems only, in the same way that hospital A&E departments are only for genuine emergencies.
“Both services are asked to attend to many problems which can quite properly be attended to by a family GP or community pharmacist in the morning. Health services are not infinite and we can all play our part in choosing services appropriately.”
The national Choose Well campaign encourages members of the public to seek help in the community wherever appropriate:
• The first option is self care – many minor illnesses can be treated with rest and a well stocked medicines cabinet at home.
• You can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or use the new online assessment tool at www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect
• Pharmacists will be able to offer advice and provide over-the-counter medicines
• If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment, call your GP. If you call when the surgery is closed and your conditions requires immediate treatment you will be told how to contact the out-of-hours service.
• The Timber Hill Health Centre in The Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm)
