HEALTH & WELLBEING: Health Services Experiencing Extreme Pressure – Help Us To Help You

Health services, including the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, across Rotherham are currently experiencing extreme pressure, however help is at hand for those who need it.  Local pharmacists is a mine of useful health care information if you’re feeling under the weather. They are highly qualified to give advice on a wide range of common health problems and the best medicines to treat them. They prescribe from a range of medications so you don’t even have to go to your doctor for some things.

NHS 111, the 24-hour helpline, has highly qualified health professionals who can give advice on a wide range of health problems and the best way to get them treated.

Dr David Clitherow, local GP and GP lead for urgent care at NHS Rotherham CCG, said: “Most ailments and illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains can be self-treated at home with a well-stocked medicines cabinet. NHS 111 and pharmacists are highly qualified to give advice on a wide range of common health problems and the best way to treat them.

“At this time of year most people, especially children, get coughs and colds, however pharmacists can prescribe free oral paracetamol. The best way to look after someone with a cold or cough is to make sure they have plenty to drink and if they have a temperature, paracetamol will help. You do not need to visit a doctor, instead if the symptoms persist you should contact your pharmacy to get the right medicine for your illness.”

Appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professionals are now available for all Rotherham people in the evenings and weekends across Rotherham. The receptionist at patients’ own practice can book an appointment and advise where to attend.

Choosing the right treatment will help patients get better quicker and help clinicians to help those in most need of medical attention.