Did you know?
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A&E attendances in Cambridgeshire have grown by over 130,000 in the last year.
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35 percent of people who go to A&E could have been treated elsewhere in the community.
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Every time someone goes to A&E and is discharged without needing further treatment, the cost to the NHS is £124.
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Remember A&E and 999 services are for life-threatening and emergency conditions only.
Taking the right action is really important - not just to save money and resources but to ensure that you get what you need when you need it.
You can use the information below to help you decide what to do if you have a health problem:
Self-care
Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs and colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, and aches and pains can be treated with a well stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
- Some self-care essentials
- Paracetamol
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Re-hydration mixtures
- Indigestion remedies
- A thermometer
NHS Choices/NHS Direct
NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk) a dedicated website where you can find up-to-date and expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints, as well as find your nearest NHS services, such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists, minor injuries units and so on.
NHS Direct (0845 46 47) provides a confidential telephone service, 24 hours a day, to give advice and guidance on health issues.
Calls cost a maximum 5p from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. An interpretation service is available in many languages.
Your Local Pharmacy
Your local high street pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment or go to A&E.
More information - To find your local pharmacist including details of opening hours please visit: http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
For details on pharmacy services during bank holidays please visit:
http://www.cambridgeshire.nhs.uk
Your GP
If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, make an appointment with your GP. They provide a range of services by appointment and when absolutely essential can make home visits.
More information - To find your nearest GP service go to our website: http://www.cambridgeshire.nhs.uk or contact NHS Cambridgeshire PALS on 0800 279 2535 or 01223 725588
Minor Injuries Unit
Minor Injuries Units offer convenient access to a range of treatments for minor illnesses and injuries including: cuts and grazes, minor burns and scalds, bites and stings, strains and sprains, and minor eye or ear problems.
More information - To find your nearest Minor Injuries Unit, see the list below. Alternatively go to NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Your nearest Minor Injuries Units:
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North Cambridgeshire Hospital The Park, Wisbech, PE13 3AB. Tel: 01945 488 068 Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6pm
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Princess of Wales Hospital Lynn Road, Ely, CB6 1DN. Tel 01353 656 675 Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8.30am-6pm
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Doddington Community Hospital Benwick Road, Doddington PE15 0UG Tel: 01354 644 243 Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm
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St Neots Health Centre (GP practice where patients can ‘walk in’) 24 Moores Walk, St Neots, PE19 1AG. Tel: 01480 219 317 Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8am-8pm
A&E and 999
A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. Dialling 999 and stating an emergency situation will result in a response vehicle being sent to your location.
Your nearest A&E department is situated at:
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ Tel: 01223 245151 http://www.cuh.org.uk
- Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon PE29 6NT. Tel: 01480 416416 http://www.hinchingbrooke.nhs.uk
View or download a poster/leaflet from the "Downloads tab" below.
