This in from the IW NHS Trust, in their own words.
All GP Practices will be closed on Monday 4th May. Anyone with minor illnesses is encouraged to go along to a community Pharmacy for advice. Pharmacists are medically trained so if your pharmacist thinks your health problem is something more serious, they will be aware when you need to see a doctor.
If you need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency, the NHS 111 service based at St Mary’s Hospital is able to advise and direct you to the service which can help. You can telephone 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Hospital, Ambulance and Community services are extremely busy and need to be able to ensure they can attend to those people with more serious conditions in a timely manner.
Only use A&E for life threatening emergencies
The Emergency Department at St. Mary’s Hospital and 999 are for life-threatening emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness
- acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
- persistent, severe chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- If you have been referred by your GP for urgent assessment
People are encouraged to take more care with their health where possible by either asking their local pharmacy staff for advice, looking for advice on line (www.nhs.uk) or self-treating using some basic medicine cabinet essentials.
Information about local health services is available at www.iow.nhs.uk
Image: fischerfotos under CC BY 2.0
