A&E ATTENDANCES
A&E – Have you recently had to attend A&E?
Over 100 attendances by patients registered at our Practice are recorded by A&E Departments in Northern Ireland every month and many of these could be avoided.
Are you aware that there are alternatives available?
Did you know that:
- Our Practice has telephone access from 8.30am to 6pm every weekday and will arrange for a GP/Nurse Practitioner to speak to you to give advice over the phone or invite you to attend the surgery for a same-day/next-day appointment. This is often quicker than attending A&E. Tel: 028 9070 1653.
- GPs can, where appropriate, access suitable alternative pathways on your behalf.
- For certain conditions, the GP may advise that an A&E attendance is appropriate.
SEBDOC (the local out-of-hours service) is available for urgent care outside surgery times and at weekends and you will be given medical advice over the phone, offered the opportunity to attend the Knockbreda Centre for a consultation or where necessary a GP will make a domicilary visit. Tel: 028 9079 6220.
Self-Care – Many everyday illnesses can be managed at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Pharmacy – For medicines advice you can have a chat with your Pharmacist. Pharmacists are qualified to give you free expert advice and you don’t need an appointment. Pharmacists also offer advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.Conditions covered by the Minor Ailments Scheme include:-
Vaginal Thrush
Headlice
Threadworms
Athlete's Foot
Groin Itch
Diarrhoea
Cold Sores
Mouth Ulcers
Oral Thrush
Ear Wax
You may go to a participating pharmacy to receive advice and treatment rather than having to wait for an appointment.
So before you attend A&E please stop to think – is this the most appropriate way for me to be treated?