On average, one in four people who go to Accident and Emergency could treat themselves or use other local services – which may have meant that they would have received the appropriate treatment sooner.
In a recent survey of East Midland’s residents, it was also revealed that three people out of ten in the region would visit their GP for a sore throat, a condition they could treat themselves with remedies from their medicine cabinet or by making a quick trip to their local chemist. In addition, over half of those surveyed said they would go to their GP with a stomach ache, which is an ailment for which self care is generally recommended, depending on the severity.
Being prepared and knowing what to do or where to go for advice when you are ill is essential. This is especially important at this time of year when health services are at their busiest and a visit to A&E may mean an unnecessary wait for treatment. If you have a sprain, cut, cold, headache or anything in between, your own medicine cabinet may be the best place to start. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked up with the basic essentials to start caring for yourself as soon as you need it. This should include:
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Paracetamol or aspirin
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Anti-diarrhoeal medicine
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Rehydration mixture
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Indigestion mixture
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Plasters and bandages
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Thermometer
Lorraine Wright, assistant director of programme planning for NHS East Midlands said: “Staying at home and treating yourself with over the counter medicines can often be the best and most effective treatment for minor injuries and illnesses and can mean you get better sooner.
“If you find that your symptoms are getting worse then speak to your local pharmacist, they are medically trained and can offer advice as to where to go next without the need for getting an appointment.”
If are unsure as to how you should treat your injury or illness or whether you need to be treated by a health care professional, your local pharmacist can give you help and advice or you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. You can also see a doctor or nurse at your local walk-in centre. To find out where the nearest service is to you use the free NHS text service* on 64746.
As the old adage says “prevention is better than cure” and you can avoid getting ill by exercising and having a healthy lifestyle. For further information visit the NHS Choices website.
For more information on self care and looking after your health and wellbeing visit our dedicated Self Care Week web pages at: http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/public-patients/winter-wellness/
