This week schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) will break up for October half term and the local NHS is reminding everyone how to access healthcare, if they need help urgently.
Accessing help at home
The local NHS recommends following its established two-step “Need Help Fast” process to make sure everyone receives the most appropriate care:
- Step 1: Manage minor illnesses at home where possible, or seek help from NHS 111 online, the NHS App, or a local pharmacy. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, many pharmacies can also offer treatment and prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP.
- Step 2: If the problem persists or is more serious, contact your GP or use NHS 111 when your practice is closed, who will help book you into the right service such as an urgent treatment centre.
Walk-in services are also available but you are advised to use NHS 111 first to make sure it is the right place for you to go. If you do want to walk into a service, you can do this at the following locations:
- Oadby Urgent Treatment Centre: 8am to 9pm weekdays, 8am to 8pm weekends and bank holiday
- Merlyn Vaz Urgent Treatment Centre: 8am to 8pm, seven days a week
- Loughborough Urgent Treatment Centre: 24 hours, seven days a week (X-ray available 8.30am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm weekends)
A few walk-in slots are also available for minor injuries only at Rutland Minor Illness and Injury Service: 1pm to 9pm, seven days a week.
In a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or text 0748 063 5199 for a response within four hours. Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes can also provide advice and support for people who are struggling with their mental health. Their opening times can be found at: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/service/neighbourhood-mh-cafes/
Healthcare when away from home
During half term some people in LLR will be going on holiday. If you are staying in the UK, it is important to know how to access healthcare whilst you are away.
If you are travelling within the UK and become unwell, use NHS 111. On days where GP practices are open, your own practice should still be your first port of call. They can provide online, telephone or video consultations, and arrange for prescriptions to be sent to a pharmacy of your choice anywhere in the country. If you rely on regular medication, please don’t forget to pack it before you travel on holiday.
Children’s health options
Parents can get support about the best course of action if their child is unwell by checking out the following resources:
Parents’ Stay Well Guide for children aged 0-9. The guide gives you simple tips so you can be confident in giving home-based care to your child when treating some common health worries.
‘Super Bodies’ campaign contains a guide for parents and carers full of simple things they can do to treat these common ailments at home, and knowing when and where to go for medical help for illnesses including, coughs, sore throats, and earaches in young children.
Prevent the spread of infection
As the weather becomes colder children become more likely to spend time indoors. Spending time with others indoors means it becomes much easier to catch and spread viruses, such as flu, to other people.
To reduce the risk of spreading a virus:
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues as quickly as possible.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations. If your child is eligible for vaccination this winter, such as the flu vaccine, make sure they receive it when offered.
- Keep indoor spaces well ventilated, fresh air circulating helps to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
- If your child feeling unwell, keeping them at home can help prevent infections spreading.
To find out more, visit: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/accessing-nhs-services-during-the-october-half-term
