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There
are many choices for what treatment to take
when you are feeling unwell and where to
seek help and advice. By making the correct
decision at the correct time you will receive
the best available care. Next time you or
a member of your family is feeling ill use
this guide to help you decide.
Self
Care
Can you treat yourself at home?
A well stocked medicine cabinet can treat
many day to day illnesses. Small doses of
paracetamol or ibuprofen for example can
treat many common illnesses such as colds,
sore throats and coughs.
Pharmacist
Have
you spoken with your chemist?
Pharmacists are qualified to dispense not
only medicines, but also advice on a range
of common complaints such as sore throats,
aches & pains, colds and the flu.
They
can also answer questions on medications
and help you with advice on issues such
as healthy eating & quitting smoking.
Your pharmacist will be well placed to advise
if you should see a GP with your complaint.
NHS
Direct
Have
you tried NHS Direct?
NHS Direct is a 24 hour a day health information
and advice service staffed by professional
health advisers and nurses. They offer free,
confidential advice on what to do if you
are ill, and provide information on a range
of conditions & services, and can put
you in contact with your local health, self-help
& support organisations.
Ring
NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
NHS
Direct also offers online health guidance.
The website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
has a guide to treating common illnesses
& complaints, a searchable database
of health conditions & details of NHS
services in your locality.
NHS
Direct have also produced a self-help guide
'Not feeling Well?' which is available at
no cost from many surgeries & pharmacies.
This guide contains advice on the illnesses
which NHS direct is most often contacted
about, and has a wide range of answers to
FAQ on both adult & child illnesses.
GP
Surgery
Do you need to see a GP or other health
professional?
Steyning Health Centre offers a range of
services as detailed in our clinics &
services section. These include general
medical advice and treatment, prescriptions,
referral services and a range of tests &
immunisations.
Remember to
tell your doctor if you have tried or are still
taking any self care remedies.
If
the Health Centre is closed you can call
NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice, or
if you require an emergency visit call 01903
843400 and listen to the recorded message
for instructions.
999/A&E
Do you need
to seek emergency hospital treatment?
In cases of accidents or illness where
there is an immediate risk to life you
should go to the nearest A&E department
at Worthing Hospital or call 999 for an
ambulance.
Follow this
route in critical emergencies where there has been
major blood loss, severe chest pain or loss of consciousness. |
