Accessing NHS services during the October half term
This week schools across Northamptonshire will break up for October half term and the local NHS is reminding everyone how to access healthcare, if they need help urgently.
Accessing help at home
If you develop a minor illness or injury, you can often manage it at home. If you need further advice, support is available from NHS 111 online, the NHS App, or a local pharmacy. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, many pharmacies can also offer treatment and prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP. For urgent health concerns contact your GP practice or NHS 111, who can assess your needs and help you access the right care.
Walk-in services
To ensure patients are seen in the right place for their needs and to receive a booked appointment to keep waiting times down, it is advisable to use NHS 111 over the bank holiday weekends.
If you do want to walk into a service, you can do this at the following location:
- Corby Urgent Treatment Centre: 8am to 8pm weekends and bank holiday
In a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Crisis Cafes can also provide advice and support for people who are struggling with their mental health. Their opening times can be found at: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/crisis-cafe.
Healthcare when away from home
During half term some people will be going on holiday. If you are staying in the UK, it is important to know how to access healthcare whilst you are away.
If you are travelling within the UK and become unwell, use NHS 111. On days where GP practices are open, your own practice should still be your first port of call. They can provide online, telephone or video consultations, and arrange for prescriptions to be sent to a pharmacy of your choice anywhere in the country. If you rely on regular medication, please don’t forget to pack it before you travel on holiday.
Prevent the spread of infection
As the weather becomes colder children become more likely to spend time indoors. Spending time with others indoors means it becomes much easier to catch and spread viruses, such as flu, to other people.
To reduce the risk of spreading a virus:
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues as quickly as possible.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations. If your child is eligible for vaccination this winter, such as the flu vaccine, make sure they receive it when offered.
- Keep indoor spaces well ventilated, fresh air circulating helps to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
- If your child feeling unwell, keeping them at home can help prevent infections spreading.