Bassetlaw: Make the right health choice this bank holiday weekend

NHS England (South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw) want to make sure patients know the best place to go in order to get the most suitable treatment if they suffer a bruise, sprain, minor wound or fracture.

Choosing well will ensure patients receive the best possible treatment, while freeing up busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.

Medical Director David Black for NHS England (South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw) said: “Bank Holiday weekends are always a busy time for the NHS and particularly for A&E departments. People often take advantage of the long weekend to participate in a range of sporting activities or catch up on jobs around the home by carrying out DIY or gardening, which can lead to injury. We want people to take extra care, but also to know where to go to get the right treatment at the right time, as quickly as possible, if they get hurt or fall ill.

“Many patients end up in busy A&E when they could be treated more quickly by seeking advice from their local pharmacist or even by themselves with basic self-care and first aid. NHS 111 can give fast, reliable telephone advice and arrange for patients to see an out of hours GP if necessary. This will be more convenient and allow A&E departments to see those people who most urgently need their care.”

Patients are also encouraged to visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pages/hub.aspx for advice on treating common conditions.