Get prepared for the Tour de Yorkshire, patients urged
Get prepared for the Tour de Yorkshire, patients urged
The Tour de Yorkshire is taking place between Friday 1 and Sunday 3 May and doctors are encouraging patients and their families to be prepared so they can enjoy a healthy weekend.
Even though the Tour de Yorkshire isn’t coming to the North Kirklees area, GPs are reminding everyone of the range of health services available in case you do fall ill over the bank holiday weekend.
Dr David Kelly, Chair, NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP said: “Whilst the tour is not coming through our district you may have older or vulnerable relatives living nearer the route that may be affected by road closures due to the race. We’re asking people to be prepared over this busy, but exciting weekend.
“Make sure you have plenty of medical supplies in the house, for example some simple pain-killers, a paediatric paracetamol mixture for children and an adequate supply of any regular medications you or your family are being prescribed by your doctor.”
It’s vital to make sure you choose the most appropriate NHS service, if your child or a member of your family is ill, so additional pressure is not put on our busy hospitals. So here are our top tips:
- Where possible self-care (for common accidents and illnesses), and remember you can always seek advice from NHS 111 which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on, or alternatively you can visit NHS Choices at nhs.uk.
- Don’t forget you can also speak to your local pharmacist, who can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints.
- Injuries that give more cause for concern such as sprains, strains, minor burns and wounds can be treated at the Locala Walk in Centre, which is open Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm and Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am – 6pm, which can provide medical support and advice to anyone who comes through the door. Anyone wishing to go to the walk in centre should first book in at A&E reception. The centre can also help with urgent medical conditions that can’t wait to see a GP – e.g. children with high temperatures; people with breathing problems; bladder and other painful infections; abdominal pain; severe headaches; worrying worsening of a long term condition.
- Weekend GP appointments are available for patients with an urgent medical need. Call 01924 351499 between 8am and 11.30am, Saturday and Sunday. Please note that calls will be assessed and only those identified as having an urgent need to see a GP will be offered a weekend appointment.
- Accident & Emergency (A&E) is only for the most urgent care such as serious accidents or medical emergencies.
Dr Kelly added: “Remember, your local pharmacy can offer free, confidential, expert advice on common symptoms, medicines and healthy living. For simple accidents like sprains, you don’t always need to go to your GP practice.”
For information about pharmacies that are open during the bank holidays in May, visit www.northkirkleesccg.nhs.uk
Further information:
Kirklees Council has a special section on their website with more information, including details about road closures.