Each Easter holidays we see an influx of patients to our Emergency Unit with injuries like fractures, sprains and burns.
It’s easy to get excited about being out and about in the spring sun (we are too), but we encourage you to take care, and to choose well if you think you or someone else requires urgent health support.
Below are some of our tips for keeping yourself well this Easter.
Many minor injuries and common conditions can be dealt with at home.
There are first aid tips online and at NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : First aid, including treatments for sprains, bruises and minor cuts and grazes.
Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit on hand can help to treat any minor cuts, scrapes, bumps or illnesses quickly and easily.
Your first aid kit should contain alcohol wipes, plasters, bandages, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and antihistamines amongst other things. This NHS website contains all the information you’ll need for stocking a first aid kid.
Primary care includes general practice (GPs), community pharmacy, dental and optometry (eye health) services.
Each member of the primary care team has skills and expertise in different areas. Knowing your Primacy Choice and seeing the right person at the right time can enable you to get the right support, from the right healthcare professional.
Before seeking healthcare advice, it is important to choose the correct service for your needs.
NHS 111 Wales has a wealth of information on different healthcare conditions and information on the services available within your community. The NHS 111 Wales Symptom Checker should be your first port of call if you are feeling unwell and you are unsure of what to do.
In Cardiff and Vale, you must call NHS 111 Wales first if you need to access the Emergency Unit or Minor Injuries Unit, or if you require urgent care out of hours.
By calling 111 for advice, an expert call handler will assess your condition and help you get the right help, at the right place, first time.
The Minor Injuries Unit is a nurse-led service based at Barry Hospital, just outside of Cardiff.
This appointment-only service is designed to treat a range of minor injuries or illnesses. (For example; fractures, cuts and grazes).
This is not a walk-in service.
After phoning 111, if appropriate, you’ll be allocated a timeslot for an appointment. This prevent patients waiting too long in a waiting room for treatment.
If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
If it is urgent, but not life-threatening, use the NHS 111 Wales website, or call 111.
And remember you can now phone 111 and press 2 for urgent mental health advice.