CHRISTMAS wouldn’t be the same without excited youngsters falling off scooters and bikes and dads cutting themselves while carving the turkey.
And this year local doctors in Redditch and the surrounding area are encouraging anyone who has a mishap over the festivities or falls ill to choose the right NHS service is Christmas doesn’t quite go to plan.
Some health services across the area, including GP practices, will have limited opening times over the festive period, so it’s important to plan ahead and know what health service options are available.
Emergency departments can be extremely busy at this time of year, so patients are urged to remember A&E is for life threatening accidents and emergencies only – however there are a number of other health services available to help people over the festive period.
Many minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home, getting plenty of rest and making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
The local pharmacist can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more.
There are chemist shops open most days over the Christmas and New Year period – opening times are available on http://www.redditchandbromsgroveccg.nhs.uk/ .
People can also call 111, the free NHS Service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast medical advice when it’s not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.
The nearest minor injuries units (MIU) offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns.
For instance, as we write this – 9.45am on Thursday, December 22, the maximum waiting times at hospitals across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust were:
Alexandra Hospital A&E – 83 minutes to see a doctor or nurse.
Worcestershire Royal A&E – 235 minutes to see a doctor or nurse.
Bromsgrove Prince of Wales Community Hospital – zero waiting time, with no patients to be seen
Malvern MIU – zero waiting time, with no patients to be seen
Evesham MIU – 12 minutes to see a doctor or nurse
To get up to date more information, you can find A&E and Minor Injuries Unit waiting times on the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust website www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/waiting.
For more hints and tips about staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell.
