Due to the hot weather experienced during the Easter break, the Trust is currently caring for a large number of related illnesses and injuries.
If you need medical advice or support, there are a number of services in Doncaster and Worksop such as your GP, local pharmacist, NHS 111, the Doncaster Same Day Health Centre and Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough.
Please only attend the Emergency Department if your condition is urgent and life-threatening and help to ensure that the service is available for those that need it most.
Dr Nick Mallaband, Emergency Care Group Director and Consultant at the Trust, said: “Please only use the Emergency Department when it’s just that – an emergency. If you do fall ill or have suffered an injury, you can seek advice by calling NHS 111, booking an appointment at the Doncaster Same Day Health Centre and if it’s really urgent, calling 999.”
Here are some tips to help you choose health services wisely:
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, 7 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.
Minor Injuries Unit at Mexborough 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 advisor will arrange appropriate assistance for the patient based on information about the illness or injury.