Patients encouraged to ‘choose the right care at the right time’ over the Easter weekend

The NHS in Scarborough and Ryedale says patients who become unwell over the Easter weekend can save time if they choose the right health services.

With most GP practices
closed for the four-day Easter weekend which begins with Good Friday on 19
April, local NHS leaders want to make sure people access the most appropriate
care, depending on whether they have a minor health complaint, or something
more serious.

Residents who need urgent
medical help should ring NHS 111 – trained health professionals can advise on
where to go for the best treatment – or if it’s something less serious like a
cough, cold or rash, people can visit their local community pharmacy for advice
and support.

NHS Scarborough and
Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chairman, Dr Phil Garnett, said: “It’s
important people use NHS resources sensibly and ‘choose the right care, first
time’.

“A wide range of common
illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with over-the-counter
medicines and plenty of rest. Often there is no shortcut to recovery – in many
cases these things just need to run their course.”

People suffering from
a minor ailment who need additional advice or reassurance should visit their
local pharmacy or if it’s more serious, Urgent Treatment Centres like those based
at Scarborough and Malton Hospitals are there to deal with illnesses and
injuries like strains and sprains, suspected broken limbs, fevers, abdominal pain
and emergency contraception.

“While it’s possible
to walk in and be seen, it’s much better to pre-book an appointment through NHS
111, who will direct you to the most appropriate place to meet your needs. If
you receive an appointment at the Urgent Treatment Centre, they will aim to see
you within 30 minutes of your appointment time.

“The Accident and
Emergency department and 999 are for emergencies only, in serious or
life-threatening situations.”

The local NHS is also reminding patients with
long-term conditions to make sure they have enough of their regular medication
to cover them over the long Easter weekend.