Doctors urge people in Plymouth to use the NHS wisely

A family doctor from Plymouth is urging people to use the NHS wisely this summer as the number of visitors to the area is expected to rise in the coming months.

Already over the last weekend Derriford Hospital saw a greater than usual number of people presenting to its emergency department.

This is placing strain on the hospital and Dr Dafydd Jones, a GP from Plymouth and Board member of the Western Locality of Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG), said it was vital that people chose the most appropriate NHS service for fast and effective advice and treatment.

“Every year, the hospital emergency departments (A&E) in Devon see approximately 300,000 patients, a number of which have common illnesses or ailments,” he said.

“Many of these patients could have avoided going to the emergency department by getting expert advice and quicker access to treatment from other local NHS services such as NHS 111, local pharmacies, GP practices (in-hours), or by attending the Cumberland Centre minor injuries unit (MIU) in Devonport.

“By doing this they will free up busy clinicians’ time to treat patients who really need it.

“Some people could have quite safely taken care of themselves with basic self-care, first aid and advice.”

NEW Devon CCG has issued some handy tips to people in the city to help them choose the right NHS service for them.

• Try your family or self-care - for minor illnesses, combine medicines for coughs, colds or flu with plenty of rest.
• Pharmacist/chemist - pharmacists are trained to help people with minor illnesses and can advise on medicine that can be bought over the counter. Your nearest pharmacy can be found here: www.nhs.uk. Some pharmacies are open extended hours.
• NHS 111 – for non-emergency health needs, 24 hours a day, as well as help to find services. Go to www.nhs.uk or call 111.
• NHS minor injuries unit (MIU) - for treatment of minor illnesses or injuries, without an appointment. For details of your nearest MIU, go to www.nhs.uk. The Plymouth MIU is based at the Cumberland Centre in Devonport, near Plymouth Albion rugby club – set your sat nav to PL1 4JZ.
• Family doctor – Your local general GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services, including: advice on health problems, vaccinations, examinations and treatment, prescriptions for medicines, referrals to other health services and social services. Your surgery will make sure you get to speak to a healthcare professional on the same day if you have an urgent condition.
• Hospital emergency departments or 999 – please only attend hospital emergency departments if you have an immediate and serious problem that cannot be dealt with by the other services. 999 only for critical or life-threatening situations.