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    NHS Direct
    Tel: 0845 4647

Treating Yourself and Using Other Local NHS Services

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. We suggest you keep the following:

  • Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
  • Mild laxatives
  • Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
  • Rehydration mixture
  • Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
  • Travel sickness tablets
  • Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
  • Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
  • Tweezers and sharp scissors
  • A thermometer
  • A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings

Remember:
Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children.
Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Your local pharmacist

Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time – you don’t need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. Call NHS Direct for details.

NHS Direct and NHS on-line

NHS Direct offers free expert health information and advice 24-hours a day on 0845 4647 or at their website, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk which also offers an enquiry service. For deaf people and those heard of hearing, a telephone service is available on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can use a confidential translation service.

Accident and emergency/999

Whatever the day or time, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, severe loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999. Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.

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