Help us help you this Easter
With Easter just around the corner the NHS in Kirklees is reminding local people where they can get help and support if they need it over the bank holiday (2-5 April).
People who take regular medication are reminded to check they have enough supply to last over the long weekend. Repeat prescriptions can be managed through the NHS App or a patient’s GP online service. Running out of medication may require an emergency GP appointment.
It’s always good to be prepared for common health conditions by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. Useful items to have handy include appropriate pain relief for adults and children, cold and sore throat remedies and antihistamines. Pharmacy opening hours and contact details can be found on the NHS website.
Dr Steve Ollerton, Chair of Greater Huddersfield CCG said: “The NHS is still here to help you and your family and you should not put off getting help or advice. Help us, help you by making the right choice for your needs. This will help us focus our attention on the people who need it most in our community.
“Community pharmacists can offer advice and the best treatment for common health conditions such as tummy aches, sore throats or rashes. They will also advise if you need to speak to a doctor or practice nurse.”
GP practices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. But appointments are still available over the Easter weekend with a GP or nurse through the extended access service.
Patients can book an appointment in advance through their GP practice and will be offered the most appropriate appointment. Patients may be offered a telephone or online appointment, or will be asked to attend an appointment at a different location to their usual GP surgery to be seen by a health professional.
There will also be people who need urgent and emergency care. Healthcare professionals throughout Kirklees want to make sure those people get the right advice and treatment at the right time.
Dr Khalid Naeem, Chair of North Kirklees CCG said: “If you have an urgent medical condition, but it’s not an emergency, you should contact NHS111 by phone or go online 111.nhs.uk. You should call 999 when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, such as severe bleeding, head injury or you think it could be a heart attack or stroke.”
In North Kirklees, the walk-in centre based in the emergency department of Dewsbury and District Hospital provides health support and advice for minor illness or injury. It is open Bank Holidays, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm.
People in Kirklees also have access to a mental health helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The confidential helpline offers support and guidance to anyone registered with a GP practice in Kirklees by calling free on 0800 183 0558.
As well as information and advice, trained telephone advisors can help people to access local mental health and emotional wellbeing support. People don’t have to have used mental health services before. Carers, or those concerned about a loved one or friend, can also call for advice.