Health Service Update

26/07/2007

GP surgeries are continuing to focus on meeting the needs of patients with urgent medical needs. Patients are asked to contact their GP surgery if they require urgent care and follow the advice provided.

During the evening and overnight, the Out of Hours medical service (call 08454 220220) is available to provide urgent care to those people who for medical reasons cannot wait until their GP surgery re-opens.

For general medical advice, people can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

During the day, patients who require routine medication in flood hit areas such as Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury can go to their usual community pharmacy where they will be dispensed a 5 day supply of medication.

Community Nursing Teams are working closely with social care staff to provide care to vulnerable patients in local communities. If you are aware of a particularly vulnerable person who may require additional health or social care support, please call 0800 0920410.

The NHS is asking people to only call 999 in an emergency so that patients with life threatening conditions, can continue to receive timely access to services.

Public Health messages:

If you do not have access to mains water:

Collect bowser water in a safe, clean container and store it safely to prevent contamination
Boil bowser water before use as a precautionary measure
Boiled bowser water is the best option for making up infant formula. Boiled bottled water can also be used. It is important to keep babies hydrated If your child has a kidney condition or is on a low sodium diet, only use boiled bowser water. If this is not possible, please seek medical advice
Use bowser water as sparingly as possible and save it for drinking
Flood water or other ‘grey water’ such as from streams and rain water can be used to flush the toilet. You can also use recycled drinking water e.g. from tooth brushing or from cooking
If possible, do not flush the toilet after every visit, but remember to wash your hands
If you have mains water supplies but notice a change in quality, such as discolouration or a change in taste or smell, ring your water company. If in doubt boil it before drinking or use bottled water
If your home has been flooded, assume water has been contaminated and boil it before drinking
Health risks are low, but avoid contact with flood water where possible. If you have to deal with it, try and use protective clothing such as gloves and wellies. Overalls and goggles can be worn if you have them
Children should not play in flood water
If walking through flood water beware of hazards such as debris
If you have been exposed to flood water wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food and eating
If you are aware that there is a loss of power or water in your area, please check on the elderly or vulnerable people and ensure they have received the above advice and that they have access to water.