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| * Dr Ellen Wright |
by NHS Greenwich CCG | Eltham
Many of us are looking forward to the long bank holiday weekend ahead – and GP’s in Greenwich are asking patients to make the most of the extra day off work by using the most appropriate NHS service if they need medical help or advice.
“The weather might be looking like a mixed bag of results over the long weekend, but many of us will be making the most of our time off and getting out and about” says Dr Ellen Wright (right), local GP and Chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
“If you need to use NHS services over the bank holiday, using the right one can ensure that you get the fastest, most appropriate treatment. Whilst many people automatically head to A&E when something goes wrong, this is usually not the best option, particularly for minor problems such as coughs, colds, strains and sprains.
“A&E is for serious accidents and emergencies. If you’ve sprained your ankle, cut your finger or are suffering with a cough or cold, you will get faster and more appropriate advice elsewhere. After all, who wants to spend their bank holiday sitting in a busy A&E department when you don’t really need to?”
Alternative NHS services available to Greenwich residents over the bank holiday are:
Many of us are looking forward to the long bank holiday weekend ahead – and GP’s in Greenwich are asking patients to make the most of the extra day off work by using the most appropriate NHS service if they need medical help or advice.
“The weather might be looking like a mixed bag of results over the long weekend, but many of us will be making the most of our time off and getting out and about” says Dr Ellen Wright (right), local GP and Chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
“If you need to use NHS services over the bank holiday, using the right one can ensure that you get the fastest, most appropriate treatment. Whilst many people automatically head to A&E when something goes wrong, this is usually not the best option, particularly for minor problems such as coughs, colds, strains and sprains.
“A&E is for serious accidents and emergencies. If you’ve sprained your ankle, cut your finger or are suffering with a cough or cold, you will get faster and more appropriate advice elsewhere. After all, who wants to spend their bank holiday sitting in a busy A&E department when you don’t really need to?”
Alternative NHS services available to Greenwich residents over the bank holiday are:
Self-care – people suffering from minor ailments such as coughs, colds and grazes should treat themselves at home or visit their local pharmacy
Use the Health Help Now app, which can be downloaded for free at:
http://www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net/.
You can also find the app by searching in your smartphone app store. Health Help Now helps people check their symptoms and find the best place for treatment – showing which nearby services are open. Importantly, it will help people to know when to go to A&E, and when not to.
GP out-of-hours service – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, GP out-of-hours services are available on the usual surgery number or by calling NHS 111 direct and are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice or, if necessary, treatment at home or in a local health centre
Pharmacies – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses. They can also sometimes issue you with an emergency supply of your repeat medication without you having to speak to a doctor.
Use the Health Help Now app, which can be downloaded for free at:
http://www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net/.
You can also find the app by searching in your smartphone app store. Health Help Now helps people check their symptoms and find the best place for treatment – showing which nearby services are open. Importantly, it will help people to know when to go to A&E, and when not to.
GP out-of-hours service – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, GP out-of-hours services are available on the usual surgery number or by calling NHS 111 direct and are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice or, if necessary, treatment at home or in a local health centre
Pharmacies – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses. They can also sometimes issue you with an emergency supply of your repeat medication without you having to speak to a doctor.
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| * Ambulance and paramedics maybe not be available readily available |
A list of opening hours for Greenwich pharmacies over the holidays can be found here http://www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk/News-Publications/news/Pages/Need-to-call-on-the-NHS-this-weekend.aspx
NHS 111 – NHS 111 is a free phone service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It offers a one-stop number for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms
Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and Walk-in Centre -- with no appointment necessary your local centres are managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains and suspected breaks.
* Visit the Greenwich Urgent Care Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4QH. Open from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
* Visit the Urgent Care Centre in Thamesmead. Open from 8am to 8pm. 4 - 5 Thames Reach, Thamesmead, London SE28 0NY, Tel: 020 8319 5880.
* Visit the Walk-in Centre in Woolwich. Open from 8am to 8pm. Clover Health Centre, Equitable House, General Gordon Place Woolwich London SE18 6AB, Tel: 020 8331 0567.
GP out-of-hours service – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, ring 111 and if appropriate you will be transferred to the GP out-of-hours services. These are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice. or see you at their base, or if you are too unwell to travel, visit you at home.
Residents can download a guide to alternative services in the Greenwich area here http://www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk/News-Publications/campaigns/Pages/default.aspx.
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