Stay safe and healthy

24/12/2009

As the cold spell of weather continues, NHS Gloucestershire is advising people to take care when they do go out.

Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health, said:

“The icy conditions have led to a number of people in the county slipping and causing themselves serious injury.

“If people need to go out, gritting their doorstep and driveway, where possible, will help decrease the chance of slipping on ice.

“With a couple of days to go before Christmas we want people to enjoy the festivities and not spend time in a hospital bed recovering from a fracture or other injury.

“Cold weather can also cause flare ups of existing health conditions and make people more vulnerable. Make sure you have collected your prescriptions and take your medication with you when travelling to ensure you are prepared.

“Wrapping up warm, having hot food and drinks regularly, and keeping moving about the home can also help ensure you stay warm and healthy.

“We can all show some seasonal goodwill as well by looking out for our neighbours and checking on those who are less able to get out and about in the cold weather or clear driveways and paths.”

There are some simple ways that the public can help reduce the pressure on front line services and help themselves when they are feeling ill.

Self care

• A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help people treat everyday illnesses at home

• A small supply of paracetamol, decongestants and other remedies can help relieve the symptoms of common ailments such as colds and sore throats.

Pharmacist

• Pharmacists can provide expert advice on common health complaints, such as coughs, colds, flu, aches, pains, stomach upsets and sprains without an appointment. They can also advice people on whether they need to visit or call other NHS services.

GP Surgery

• The vast majority of winter health conditions are caused by viruses which will last a short time and can be treated at home with advice available from NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or your local pharmacist

• If you do have a ‘flare up’ of a long standing illness such as lung disease, bronchitis, asthma or diabetes that is not responding to self care or advice from your pharmacist, call your GP surgery.

Out of Hours Service

• If you need urgent treatment or care 'Out of Hours' when your GP surgery is closed (between 6.30pm and 8am weekdays and 24 hours at weekends and public holidays), you can ring 08454 220 220 for help and advice

• Staff will either advise you over the phone, refer you to a local 'Out of Hours' centre, arrange a home visit by a Doctor or send an ambulance if they feel it is warranted

• Plan ahead and please don’t use the Out of Hours Service to request repeat prescriptions.

Accident and Emergency

• Hospital Emergency Departments are designed to treat serious accidents and emergencies only. These are life threatening or critical situations involving unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulties, chest pains and injuries causing heavy loss of blood.

People can also get advice on which NHS services to use, by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 (available 24 hours a day) or logging on to www.choosewellglos.nhs.uk.