On Monday 31 August, many GP surgeries and pharmacies will be running reduced opening times, with others remaining open during this period. As such, health professionals at the Trust are asking local people to plan ahead and make sure that they seek advice and collect any repeat prescriptions they need ahead of time, ensuring they make those vital preparations for a safe and healthy break.
As the country entered lockdown in March 2020, urgent and emergency attendances at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw did drop, but since that time, the number of people coming to the service has steadily increased, with July and August seeing a similar number of people as in the same time period in 2019. However, with social distancing and other safety measures, it is vital that people only attend the service when it is absolutely necessary.
Dr Tim Noble, Medical Director at the Trust, said: “With only a few days left until the bank holiday, we understand that many will be making plans and arrangements for the extended weekend. We’re asking local people to make their health part of these preparations – collecting their prescription medicines as needed, as well as understanding what services are available should they, or a family member, become ill or injured.
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen a steady and consistent rise in the number of patients coming to our emergency departments. This is made even more challenging in the context of safety measures to mitigate against Covid-19, such as social distancing between both patients and staff wherever possible, within what are very restricted clinical areas.
“If you’re out and about enjoying the extended weekend, please remember to adhere to any social distancing guidance, wear a face covering if necessary, wash your hands regularly and avoid any crowded situations.
“Please remember to only use the Emergency Department when it’s just that – Urgent or an emergency. However, if you do feel ill during the bank holiday, you can still seek advice by calling NHS 111, booking an appointment at the Doncaster Same Day Health Centre and if it’s really urgent, calling 999.”
- Self-care– A lot of illnesses or symptoms can be treated in your home by using a well-stocked medicine cabinet and by getting plenty of rest.
- NHS 111– This 24 hour, seven day service offers confidential health advice and information over the phone. To access the NHS 111 service text-phone, call 18001 111.
- Pharmacist (chemist)– Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional who can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them. Most now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately.
- GP – Your own GP is the best person to speak to about persistent health problems and illnesses that won’t go away. These include persistent coughs, joint pain and long term symptoms that haven’t suddenly deteriorated to a point where you are extremely unwell.
- Urgent Treatment Centre at Montagu Hospital– The unit is open every day from 9.00am to 9.00pm, except on Christmas Day when it is closed. The unit is staffed by experienced emergency nurse practitioners who can assess and treat a wide range of minor injuries and ailments, including sprains, cuts and bruises, and some simple fractures.
- Emergency Department or 999 – Hospital emergency departments provide immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. If you call 999 for an ambulance the telephone adviser will arrange appropriate assistance for the patient based on information about the illness or injury.