Help us to Help You This Winter

In order to get the fastest treatment this winter we are asking everyone to Help us to Help You by choosing well.

 

Our Emergency Department can get very busy and is not the most appropriate place to go to seek treatment in most cases. Only use 999 or visit an Emergency Department for the most serious and life threatening emergencies such as in the event of a loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding and other injuries which require immediate treatment.

 

You will usually be able to access advice and treatment more easily elsewhere for other conditions - and here is a handy guide:

 

For most common ailments and illnesses such as hangovers, sore throats, cuts and bruises and coughs and colds you will find everything you need at the supermarket or chemist. Remember that antibiotics don't help to treat the common cold. Drinking plenty of water, getting rest and keeping yourself warm should help to ease your symptoms quickly. If you are unsure or need advice you can speak to a pharmacist or call NHS111.

 

Feeling poorly and need advice about fevers, stomach upsets, aches and pains or headaches? Pop along to your friendly local Pharmacy which operate long hours, some until midnight for advice and treatments. You can speak to a trained Pharmacist who can advise you or signpost you to the right place for further treatment if you need it. Don't wait until it gets worse, ask a pharmacist first!

 

If you have symptoms that don't go away such as ear pain, back pain, stomach pain or other ongoing symptoms which are worrying you, make an appointment to see your GP. GP and Practice Nurse appointments are now available during the evenings and at the weekend across Islington, Haringey and Camden (and beyond). To find out more:

 

Islington: To make an appointment, you can call your own GP practice during normal business hours. If your practice is closed your call will be answered by i:Hub staff who will be able to help you. Find out more by clicking here.

 

Haringey: To make an appointment, you can call your own GP practice during normal business hours or call 0330 053 9499 after 6.30pm during the week or at a weekend. Find out more by clicking here.

 

Camden: Call 020 7391 9979 to book an appointment or book online at: https://www.camdengphubs.co.uk/

 

When you need help or advice fast but it isn't an emergency call the trained professionals at NHS111. They can provide self care advice over the phone, book a GP appointment for you or if necessary arrange an ambulance. They are always there when you need them.

 

Our team in the Emergency Department and our colleagues at London Ambulance Service will always be there if you need us. If there is a genuine emergency or threat to life then always call 999.

 

 

The NHS is calling on the public to heed advice and stay at home if they have norovirus to avoid passing it on. They are therefore urging those who catch the virus not to go back to work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms pass, to avoid passing it on to others. It’s a really unpleasant illness to catch, but for the vast majority of people it will usually pass in a couple of days, and self-treating at home is the best way to help yourself and avoid putting others at risk.

The symptoms appear one to two days after people become infected and typically last for up to two or three days.

 

It is important that those who have experienced symptoms, or have been in contact with friends or family who have recently had norovirus, limit their contact with young children, elderly friends and relatives or those with pre-existing medical conditions. You should also avoid visiting your GP surgery or an Emergency Department and call NHS111 in the first instance unless you are struggling to breathe or have other severe complications.

Those who are experiencing severe symptoms or are worried about their children can seek guidance on what to do on the NHS.uk website, or by using the free NHS 111 phone or online service.

Find out more by clicking here.