Choose Well

 

 

Choosing Well Over the Easter Holidays

There are a range of local health services available over the long Easter bank holiday weekend. Please choose well.

Emergency Departments and 999 are for life threatening emergencies. If you come to an emergency department (A&E) for other conditions you may face a very long wait as priority is given to patients with the most urgent clinical need.

NHS 111: if you need clinical advice but are not in a life-threatening emergency contact NHS 111 online 111.nhs.uk or call free. Fully trained advisers are available 24 hours a day, every day. They will ask questions to assess your symptoms and provide healthcare advice or direct you to the right local service, or call an ambulance if necessary.

For more information go to the NHS 111 (oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk) page.

For more details on NHS 111 see here

 

Pharmacies provide:

  • advice about minor illnesses and conditions
  • advice on how to manage your medicines.

To view Oxfordshire pharmacy opening times over the bank holiday weekend go to Pharmacy (oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk)

Minor Injuries Unit/First Aid Unit: If you need prompt advice or treatment for minor injuries, a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) or First Aid Unit (FAU) could help you. You can get treatment at an MIU for deep cuts, eye injuries, broken bones, severe sprains, minor head injuries, minor burns or scalds, minor sports injuries.

  • Oxfordshire MIUs are located at Abingdon Community Hospital, Townlands Memorial Hospital in Henley and Witney Community Hospital (for more information on opening hours and locations see here)
  • An FAU is located at Bicester Community Hospital (the FAU has no X-ray service) – for more details and opening hours see here)

Self care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.

For information to help you self-care, including healthy lifestyle information, a health A-Z of conditions and treatments, or to find your nearest pharmacy for over the counter medicines, visit www.nhs.uk

GP practices are closed over the Easter bank holiday but if you call your practice it may advise you to contact 111 which can arrange for you to speak with  a doctor or other health professional if you need one.

 

Personal health plans can help you be prepared if you start to feel unwell with a cough, cold, flu or other conditions  such as stomach upsets

Personal health plans should include:

  • Having cold, flu and tummy upset remedies at home
  • Seeking advice from your local pharmacist
  • Getting help early before your condition worsens
  • Getting repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before bank holidays
  • Finding out where your local minor injuries unit is located
  • Keeping an eye on elderly or frail friends, neighbours and relatives

 

 

Help Us Help You

 

If you need medical help, the NHS is still here for you. It is important that patients who need urgent and emergency care for things such as stroke, heart attack, and other serious conditions seek help quickly. People should also use other vital services – such as cancer screening and care, maternity appointments and mental health support, as well as contact their GP for non-coronavirus illnesses.

If you think you have coronavirus, please follow the advice here.

 


Cancer Care During COVID-19

GPs and clinicians in Oxfordshire are supporting a national NHS campaign reminding people that cancer care is still available during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey showed that nearly half of the public would delay or not seek medical help at all. NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to keep cancer services going throughout the pandemic and are urging the public not to delay treatment. Find out more...

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A&E

Staff at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging people whose health may be at risk to come to their Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe in Oxford and Horton General Hospital in Banbury during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more...

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Cancer

Doctors in Oxfordshire are urging people to get medical advice if they are worried about symptoms of cancer. Cancers are detected earlier and lives are saved if more people are referred for investigation for checks. Find out more...

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Immunisations

NHS England and Oxfordshire’s healthcare partners are urging people to attend regular vaccination appointments to prevent outbreaks of deadly serious diseases and reduce pressure on the health service. Find out more...

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Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) can provide urgent help and support should you or someone you know suffer a stroke. They can also offer more routine support for stroke patients, and have measures in place to protect your safety when receiving treatment. Find out more...

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Maternity

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is reminding pregnant women in Oxfordshire that the maternity service is still open 24/7 for births, urgent care, and clinical advice. Some face-to-face appointments with a midwife or doctor are essential, and it is important to attend. Find out more...

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Cardiac

Staff at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging people who are experiencing serious heart problems during the COVID-19 pandemic to go to their nearest Emergency Department or dial 999. Find out more...

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Primary Care

Doctors in Oxfordshire are encouraging people to contact their local GP surgery to get medical advice if they have any concerns about their health. GP practices are still open to care for their patients and are doing all they can to ensure patients, staff and the general public stay safe and avoid spreading COVID-19. Find out more...

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The mental and physical wellbeing of your children

Healthcare services in Oxfordshire are urging parents and carers of children and adolescents whose physical and mental health may be at risk to get the help they need. Find out more...

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Shielding the vulnerable

The county council, in partnership with district councils, the NHS, the voluntary sector and friends, neighbours and family in every community are collaboratively working hard to support those who registered as shielded.. Find out more...

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Learning Disabilities

Oxford Health and our partner organisations across the Oxfordshire health and social care system are supporting those with learning disabilities. Find out more...

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