ORDERING REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS AND THE NHS APP

Did you know you can manage repeat prescriptions in the NHS App?

You can easily choose where your prescriptions are sent. So, if you know you'll be away from home or you are moving home, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app.

You can also order your prescription at any time that suits you. There’s no need to wait to join a telephone queue or wait until the GP surgery opens.

It’s easy to use, and, if you hit a snag, you can go to ‘Help’ in the top right-hand corner of the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp.

Find out more about the NHS App at: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp

NHS App info

MINOR ILLNESS

Get the Right Treatment

Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment.

It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.

Self-care

Self Care AwareKeeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.

Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.

Your Local Pharmacist

local pharmacyPharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Your local Pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating. 

Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription.  

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:

  • loss of consciousness,
  • pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,
  • acute confused state,
  • persistent, severe chest pain, or
  • breathing difficulties.

If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.

Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.

Coughs & Colds

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. Usually it's a self-limiting infection – this means it gets better by itself without the need for treatment.

On average, adults have two to five colds each year and school-age children can have up to eight colds a year. Adults who come into contact with children tend to get more colds. This is because children usually carry more of the virus, for longer.

In the UK, you’re more likely to get a cold during the winter months although the reasons why aren’t fully understood at present.

Treatment of a cold

coughsandcoldsFor most people, a cold will get better on its own within a week of the symptoms starting without any specific treatment. However, there are treatments that can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. These are available from your pharmacy, which means that you can treat yourself, rather than needing to see your GP.

There is no cure for colds. Antibiotics, which treat infections caused by bacteria, don't work on cold viruses.

Self-help

There are a number of self-help measures that may help to ease the symptoms of a cold.

  • Drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Steam inhalations with menthol, salt water nasal sprays or drops may be helpful.
  • Vapour rubs may help relieve symptoms for children.
  • Hot drinks (particularly with lemon), hot soups and spicy foods can help to ease irritation and pain in your throat.
  • Sucking sweets or lozenges which contain menthol or eucalyptus may sooth your throat.
  • Gargling with salt water may help a sore throat.

You should try to make sure you get enough rest if you have a cold. It’s not usually necessary to stay off work or school.

NHS Choices - is it the common cold or the flu?
Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious. Find out

Factsheet - Common Cold
Information about the diagnosis, treatment and symptoms of the common cold

For up-to date information and advice on all conditions please visit:

Health A to Z - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

New UHMBT waiting list helpline

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust has set up a helpline for patients to deal with queries relating to inpatient procedures or outpatient clinics. In addition, all patients currently waiting will be receiving a letter explaining that there is likely to be a further 6 month delay in their appointment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you wish to cancel your appointment, seek reassurance you have not been forgotten, or request expedition of your appointment please contact UHMBT on either the phone number or email below
  • Existing UHMB waiting list patients
  • Cancellations, reassurance or expedite requests
  • 01539 716998 (option 2) or
  • email patientchoice@mbht.nhs.uk 


ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND BABIES

ADVICE FOR PARENTS WITH BABIES WITH BRONCHIOLITIS

For information regarding how to deal with your baby should they develop bronchiolitis please look at the following information 

RSV Poster

IF YOU ARE A NEW PARENT AND YOUR BABY HASN'T YET HAD THEIR 6-8 WEEK CHECK PLEASE LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION 

https://ihv.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PT-Routine-screening-reviews-during-COVID19-FINAL-VERSION-1.5.20.pdf

If you are a parent who is worried about their child please check out the following video and poster.  We are still dealing with non-Coronavirus problems too.  

https://youtu.be/8qJYBQx0if4

Advice for parents if your child is unwell or injured

If you have any concerns about your child please contact the Surgery and ask for a phone call.  In order to protect babies and young children NHS England recommends that you still bring your child for their immunisations. In order to protect staff and patients we ask that only one parent accompanies their child to the appointment

IF YOU HAVE A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON WHO HAS CONCERNS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/

 

MENTAL HEALTH

We understand that this is a very difficult time for all our patients and if you are concerned about your mental health then please check out the link below:

Every Mind Matters

FIRST STEP

You can self-refer to First Step - please see the following link:

First Step information

VICTIM SUPPORT

If you are experiencing domestic abuse: physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or stalking, please go to victimsupport.org.uk or call 0300 303 0157 for advice and support and always call 999 in an emergency

A new support service is also available at:

https://www.mysupportspace.org.uk/moj

SAMARITANS

The Samaritans can offer practical ways to cope and stay safe for those who are struggling and finding it difficult to reach out for help. You can find more information at:

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/self-help/

 

 

(Site updated 22/06/2023)
For appointments and prescriptions please use the Online Services link above. Alternatively, just click here.
 
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