SPONSORED EDITORIAL

With Easter approaching, our hospitals are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year.

Worryingly though, it is thought that across the country around 40% of patients who attend A&E could be seen by other health professionals such as minor injuries units, GP surgeries or pharmacies, but that some people aren’t sure of the options available.

When should you go to A&E?

When you have a life-threatening emergency such as loss of consciousness, persistent chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that can’t be stopped, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds, suspected stroke, when someone is in an acutely confused state or having fits (convulsions) that are not stopping.

A&E departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

General Practitioners (GPs)

GPs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health problems. They also provide health education, can offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations.

Your own GP should have immediate access to your medical notes. Some practices offer extended opening hours and appointments available at evenings and weekends.

If you take regular medication, be prepared, and make sure you get your repeat prescription requests into your GP practice before their bank holiday cut-off date.

Simply dial 111

This is the national non-emergency number that you can use if you need urgent medical help or advice but is not a life threatening situation.

You will speak to an adviser supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions and assess your symptoms then they will immediately direct you to the best medical care.

NHS 111 is contactable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Pharmacists

They can give advice on prescribed and over the counter medicines and use clinical expertise with practical knowledge to advise you on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains.

Pharmacists are health experts on the high street and no appointments are needed

When you need trusted health advice on a range of common illnesses pop into your local pharmacy. If they can’t help you, they will direct you to the best NHS service for your needs.

Many pharmacies are open late into the evening and at weekends. Remember to get the regular prescriptions you need, in plenty of time before the Easter weekend.

NHS walk-in centres

GP-led walk-in centres - such as the ones in Gillingham and Sheppey - offer convenient access to a range of treatments and can treat some minor injuries and illnesses.

You can see a health professional here without an appointment too. Open from 8am to 8pm.

NHS Minor Injury Units (MIU)

Units such as the ones at Gravesend, Sheerness and Sittingbourne can treat suspected broken arms, lower legs, fingers or toes, cuts, sprains, minor burns alongside ear, nose and throat infections.

You can be seen quicker at these units and they have X-ray facilities on site.

The units open from 8am to 8pm or 9am to 9pm. Please check direct with the MIU for X-ray availability before you visit.

NHS Health Help Now

This website and smartphone app has been developed with input from local GPs, doctors and health professionals.

It lists common symptoms and offers health advice and suggestions for treatments. It also provides information about local NHS services and tells you if they are open or closed.

Go to www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net

When to dial 999

Always call 999 for an ambulance if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Situations include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe loss of blood, choking, fitting or concussion, drowning or if you suspect a stroke.

You will be asked a series of questions to send the most appropriate response.

Medway GP, Dr Chris Markwick said: “Before going to A&E - think. Is your attendance an accident or emergency?

If your health issue is less serious, other NHS health professionals like your GP or local pharmacist may be able to treat you elsewhere.

The time that emergency nurses and doctors take to treat you if you are not in need of urgent medical attention can be time taken from those most in need.”

For more information click here

Click here for your local healthcare services in Medway and Swale.