Self-Care

We try to keep our GP appointments for patients with more serious health problems, our receptionists are trained to help you in being seen by the most appropriate service/person.

Self-Care

If you have a cough, cold, headache or other minor ailment try treating yourself at home first.

Please remember that self-care for common conditions can help free up our GPs’ time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious condition.

Please see the home treatments section below for further details on how you can self help.

Home treatments

Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?

By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.

Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:

1. Back pain
2. Dermatitis
3. Heartburn and indigestion
4. Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
5. Constipation
6. Migraines
7. Coughs
8. Acne
9. Sprains and strains
10. Headaches

Visit the NHS website

Medicine cabinet

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• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy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 pharmacist can help too

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and can give you confidential health advice for a range of common illnesses and complaints.

Don’t wait for a GP appointment for coughs, colds, aches and pains. Just give your local pharmacy a call or drop in – there’s no need to make an appointment.

Your pharmacists can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor or nurse.

Click here for more information about how pharmacies can help you.

For further information we have a wide range of local services under self referral on Accurx and more on the portal

Accurx Self-Referral information

Accurx portal for more information

There is plenty of information to help you manage your health on the NHS website.

These buttons will take you to different sections of NHS and you can look up information about different conditions and treatments using the A-Z.