WITH the long Easter weekend approaching people are being offered advice on how best to deal with any health-related issues that may arise.
From minor ailments to major injuries, here’s a breakdown of the health services available and when to use them.
- Minor injuries units (MIUs) can treat deep cuts, bites and stings, small burns, sprains, sports injuries, infected wounds and foreign bodies in eyes. There are three MIUs in Oxfordshire (Henley-on-Thames, Witney and Abingdon). No appointments are needed.
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- Visit your local pharmacist for advice on coughs, headaches, upset stomachs and indigestion. Your pharmacist can help stop coughs and colds from getting worse. For a list of local pharmacies which are open over the Easter and May bank holidays visit: https://www.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health/choose-the-right-service/pharmacy.htm
- Remember to collect your repeat prescriptions from your pharmacist in time for the holidays
- If your GP practice is closed you can contact the NHS 111 helpline which has call handlers who will help you choose the right health service for your needs.
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- You can book a routine GP appointment at a weekend or in the evenings by contacting your own surgery’s reception who will book you a time to see a doctor at a local GP access hub.
- Self-care is the best choice for minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common ailments can be treated at home from a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
- You can download Oxfordshire CCG’s ‘Health and Care Oxfordshire’ app to your smart phone to find health services near you http://bit.ly/iphoneappchoosewell or http://bit.ly/androidappchoosewell
- In a life-threatening emergency, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped call 999 immediately.
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