What is self care?
Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from brushing your teeth, doing some exercise, managing common conditions (like headaches, colds and flu) or living with a long-term health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.
As a Self Care Aware practice we are here to help you feel able to look after your own health when it is right for you. So, when you come in for a consultation, the Doctors, Advanced Care Practitioners, Nurses and Healthcare Assistants in this practice will talk to you about what you can do to help maintain and improve your health.
Self Care
Did you know that many of the common minor ailments seen by clinicians at the surgery can also be treated by you at home?
By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up appointment time for patients with more serious health problems.
Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:
1. Back pain
2. Dermatitis
3. Heartburn and indigestion
4. Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
5. Constipation
6. Migraines
7. Coughs
8. Colds
9. Acne
10. Sprains and strains
11. Headaches
12. Norovirus
13. Hayfever
14. Burns and scolds Antibiotics
Visit the NHS websites:
(it would be helpful to add a link here for the A-Z NHS conditions)
A-Z Conditions (external link)
Antibiotics
Every year 25% of the population visit their surgery for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection).
These are often caused by a virus.
For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessarily required for these infections.
Viral infections will usually resolve by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and you can also visit the pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter medication that might ease your symptoms.
Ear infections last on average 4-7 days
89% of cases clear up on their own
A sore throat lasts on average 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
Sinusitis lasts on average 17 days
80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
Cough/bronchitis last on average 21 days
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to help reduce the risk of infections. Ask at reception for more information.
Medicine Cabinet
You can treat lots minor illness such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
-Paracetamol
-Laxatives
-Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
-Rehydration mixture
-Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
-Travel sickness tablets
-Sunscreen
-Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
-A thermometer
-A selection of plasters, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
-Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
-Ensure you have read the instructions and follow the suggested dose on the packet
-Check expiry dates – don’t use medication past its sell-by date
-Return all unwanted and out-of-date medication to the pharmacy
Pharmacy
You can attend your local pharmacist for guidance on lots of health issues, over the counter medication and receive advise on when to visit the surgery. There is no need for an appointment, you can either drop into the pharmacy to arrange a consultation or be referred by our staff at reception.
Referring minor illness patients to a local pharmacy
Minor eye condition service
This is a FREE NHS service for people of all ages (children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult).
Book by calling Rawlings opticians or Matheson’s for an appointment.
Minor eye conditions that can be seen under the service include:
• Red eye or eyelids
• Dry eye, or gritty and uncomfortable eyes
• Irritation and inflammation of the eye
• Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye or watery eye
• Recently occurring flashes or floaters
• In-growing eyelashes
• Recent and sudden loss of vision
• Foreign body in the eye
The Minor Eye Condition Service (external link)
Petersfield Urgent Treatment Centre (Previously the minor injuries unit)
Petersfield Community Hospital
Swan Street
Petersfield
Hampshire
GU32 3LB
Telephone 023 8231 1650 (main reception)
Open every day 8am-8pm treatment for adults and children
Either Call 111 to arrange an appointment or simply attend the unit.
It provides treatment for minor injuries and illnesses that are urgent, but not life threatening.
They can help with problems such as:
- Sprains and strains
• Suspected broken limbs
• Minor head injuries
• Minor scalds and burns
• Skin infections and rashes
• Eye problems
• Feverish illness in adults and children
• Abdominal pain
• Emergency contraception
Mental Health & Wellbeing
If your feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, or just want to feel happier, we’re here to help.
NHS Mental Health Support (external link)