Health

The NHS in east Kent is urging people to use their local pharmacy to buy medication for common minor ailments like hay fever.

As the pollen count rises, one person in five is likely to suffer from the allergic condition, which causes sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

But not everyone knows that treatment can be provided by a pharmacist rather than having to book an appointment to see a GP. Many treatments are available from as little as £1 from a pharmacy or supermarket.

Pharmacists also provide expert, free, confidential advice on health issues such as cold sores, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diarrhoea, headache, mild eczema, sunburn, sprains and strains. You can simply turn up and ask for advice with no prior appointment.

Details of your nearest pharmacy along with opening times can be found on the free NHS app, Health Help Now: www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or download Health Help Now from the App Store or Google Play.

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford CCG, said: “Rising pollen counts can lead to misery for hay fever sufferers but many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist.

“Pharmacists can offer advice on how to avoid triggers and treat your hay fever. You do not need a prescription for hay fever medicines and many treatments are available for little cost from a pharmacy.

“So for most people, there is no need to let hay fever take up any more of your time by waiting for a doctor’s appointment.

“If your symptoms persist despite using medication as advised by the pharmacist you may wish to speak to your GP about alternative medication which is only available on prescription.”

If you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation, ring NHS 111. If you don’t know what to do or who to contact, use Health Help Now.

NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group 03 May 2017
www.ashfordccg.nhs.uk/news/blog/?blogpost=9701

Update on temporary changes to some services

In April 2017 some temporary changes were announced to some services at Kent and Canterbury Hospital (K&C). Following that announcement some changes to stroke services from this week.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) want to reassure all patients, relatives and their loved ones that their care is EKHUFT’s first priority. Patients who are in hospital already having suffered a stroke will be treated and discharged as normal. But from Tuesday 11 April, all new patients suspected of having a stroke, who would usually be taken to Canterbury, will be taken directly by ambulance to Margate or Ashford instead, whichever is closer, for initial assessment. If stroke is confirmed, patients are treated at this hospital while they are very unwell.

Because patients’ safety and recovery is utmost priority, EKHUFT need stroke patients to be seen in the place they will get the most appropriate treatment which means, for the moment, being treated at Ashford and Margate for the first few days of their care.

Once local patients have recovered from the acute phase of their stroke at Ashford or Margate, they will be able to move to the K&C to continue their recovery and rehabilitation journey, closer to home.

Most stroke services will remain unchanged at the K&C, including outpatient appointments and rehabilitation services. The hospital’s stroke ward will remain open and continue to care for patients recovering from a stroke.

Around four people a day usually attend K&C with hyper acute stroke like symptoms. On average, one of these patients has a confirmed stroke and needs admitting to the stroke ward.

Read why these changes are being made and what they mean for patients
www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/news/news-archive-2016/changes-to-kc/

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust 10 April 2017
www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/news/news-archive-2016/update-on-temporary-changes-to-some-services/

The NHS is urging east Kent residents to make sure they are prepared for Easter by checking they have the medicine they need and downloading Health Help Now to their smartphones.

The long weekend can be one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS, but with a few simple steps people can avoid an unnecessary trip to A&E.

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “GP surgeries will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday so we’re urging people who take regular medication to check they have got enough to last until at least the week after Easter.

“Please make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked too – no one wants to spend the holidays driving around in search of paracetamol, plasters or children’s medicine.

“There are local pharmacies open on Good Friday, Saturday as usual, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday and, to find them, people can use Health Help Now which is available on the web at www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or it can be downloaded from the Google Play and the App Store.” (more…)