The region’s NHS has experienced significant unpredicted pressures in hospital A&E departments over the Christmas weekend and this has further increased with recent icy conditions. We are now calling on residents for help to ensure that emergency services are available for patients that need them the most.
Seeking medical intervention early can help ensure you get prompt treatment for any ailments and avoid situations where emergency treatment is needed – helping ease pressure on local A&E departments.
Local GP and Chair of NHS Dorset CCG Dr Forbes Watson, “Time is important in helping prevent your condition from getting worse. If it’s not an emergency please consider services such as 111 or your GP. Only when it is a genuine life-threatening emergency should you call 999”.
There are a number of places people can seek help:
Self care
For minor cuts, grazes, colds and hangovers keep your medicine cabinet stocked;
NHS 111
For advice and medical help when it is not a life threatening situation;
Pharmacy
For headaches, coughs and colds and upset stomachs your local pharmacy can offer practical advice on managing symptoms;
GP
For chronic backache, persistent pain, painful cough and earache. Contact your surgery to find out their opening hours and out of hours contact details;
Minor Injury Unit (MIU)
For minor injuries such as sprains, simple fractures, lacerations, minor head injuries and advice. There are eight units across Dorset, details can be found here – please call to find out opening hours: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/services/miu/
Emergency departments or 999
For heavy bleeding, broken bones, chest pain, suspected stroke, burns. Please only attend hospital emergency departments if you have an immediate and serious problem that cannot be dealt with by the other services. 999 only for critical or life-threatening situations.
If you are experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms in particular, please stay at home and away from your GP surgery or hospital to help prevent the infection from spreading. Most people make a full recovery within a couple of days but call 111 to seek advice if your symptoms last longer than a few days or if you already have a serious illness.
