The winter months are extremely busy for NHS services including our GP Practices.
Please understand that for minor illnesses our trained clinicians will review your case and may ask you to selfcare at home or advise you to consult at your preferred Pharmacy, protecting practice appointments to best prioritise our clinical care.
If you are advised to try selfcare /pharmacy consultation, please do try this in the first instance. Community pharmacy’s receive NHS funding to offer this service to help support access to patients for minor ailments. If your symptoms do not improve or continue to worsen over time, you can contact us again and we will review your case, taking into consideration that you have previously submitted an online request form and have worsening symptoms.
There are other services or healthcare professionals in Dorset that you can see without contacting the Practice. Find the right service for your needs at https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/
Everyone has an important role to prevent illness and minor issues like coughs and colds, sore throats, or ear infections can be easily treated at home with cheap medicines from your local pharmacy without needing an appointment or prescription.
Medicine cabinet essentials include:
• Pain relief (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Cough or sore throat remedies
• First aid kit (plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Heartburn and indigestion treatment
• A thermometer
Stocking up on these essentials will not only help you feel better sooner and save you time, but also help the NHS save much needed resources.
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