Issued by: Castle Point and Rochford Clinical Commissioning Group and Southend Clinical Commissioning Group

18 March 2015

Be prepared and stay healthy

Some may call this an act of the ‘Nanny State’ but this was a press release put out in March 2015 to encourage us to prepare for all eventualities in holiday times. Although aimed at Easter it no doubt applies to all holiday periods. At the very least it may alert us and give us ideas and a check list if we are those who let the evils of life just sneak up and hit us over the head without warning (especially coming out the end of Winter). The objective is no doubt to lift off the strain from the local GP and the NHS in general.

To make sure local residents enjoy their Easter Bank holiday to the full, both Southend and Castle Point and Rochford Clinical Commissioning Groups are urging people to make sure they are prepared in the event of ill health.

With Easter arriving early this year, it’s very important that if patients/carers relying on repeat prescriptions, remember to visit their local pharmacy in plenty of time to make sure they have what they need to last over the bank holiday. If patients run out of medicine, they should speak to their pharmacist regarding an emergency supply.

Local pharmacists can also help you with minor illnesses before they become more serious, which could prevent you waiting to see your GP or needing a stay in hospital.

Important information:

Make sure medicine cabinets are also stocked up with basic medication for common ailments such as colds and minor pains which can easily be treated at home, your pharmacist will be able to help you if you do not know what to buy. Here are a few things you should try to have at home all the time:

 Pain relief such as paracetamol and aspirin (aspirin should not be given to children under 16 or to people with asthma)

 Paediatric paracetamol oral suspension or ibuprofen syrups for children

 Mild laxatives to relieve constipation

 Cold relief products

 Rehydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting to use if feeling dehydrated after a bout of sickness or diarrhoea

 Indigestion remedy

 Travel sickness tablets for family trips

 A thermometer to check for fever

 A range of bandages, plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings for minor cuts, sprains and bruises.

Dr Mike Saad, Clinical Chair at NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG said; “We want local people to have a healthy, happy Easter break so it is important that people are prepared and think ahead in relation to the medicines they might need.  If residents become ill and it is not a serious or life threatening condition, they should call NHS 111 for help.   It is important that emergency services are left for those people who really need them.”