With increasing pressure on our local Accident and Emergency departments we are encouraging patients to seek advice from a pharmacist or GP about minor illnesses and injuries. This will mean a much shorter waiting time for you as well.
Your pharmacist may be able to help with:
- skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
- coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
- minor cuts and bruises
- constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
- hayfever and allergies
- aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and back pain
- indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
- period pain and thrush
- warts and veruccas, mouth ulcers and cold sores
- athlete’s foot
- nappy rash and teething
Some pharmacies also provide truss fittings, stoma products and incontinence supplies. The pharmacist will direct you to the GP if they feel this is more appropriate.
Go to your GP or a walk-in centre for:
- wound and dressing care
- muscle and joint injuries, including strains and sprains
- minor lacerations and cuts
- infected wounds
Go to accident and emergency (A&E) for:
- head injuries or loss of consciousness
- suturing (stitches)
- foreign bodies
- suspected broken bones or heavy blood loss
- persistent chest pain or difficulty breathing
- overdose or poisoning
If an injury is not serious, you can get help from your GP rather than going to an A&E department.