Your Health
Self Care
Self Care
Illnesses like coughs and colds and minor accidents can happen at any time, so it is a good idea to have a small supply of simple remedies in your home. For example:
- A selection of plasters, cotton wool, bandages and dressings.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief and control of high temperature.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup (preferably sugar free) for young people. (Never give aspirin to young people under 16 years of age)
- Something for stuffy noses e.g. nasal decongestant.
- Thermometer.
- Sachets of oral re-hydration solution to prevent dehydration which may arise from diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Antacids.
- Antiseptic solution.
- Anti-histamine - tablets or medicine.
Keep your medicines out of sight in a locked cabinet that is out of reach of children or anyone who might take anything by mistake. Keep medicines in their original labelled container and don’t store medicines which are past their expiry date. Your local pharmacist can dispose of them safely. Prescribed medication should only be taken by the person for who they have been prescribed.
For advice on self care contact your GP practice, Pharmacist or NHS.
NHS Wales can be contacted via phone: 0845 46 47 or their website: NHS Wales (opens in a new tab)
Health Message in a Bottle
Message in a bottle encourages people living on their own to keep their basic personal and medical details in a small plastic bottle in their fridge. If the emergency services are called to your home, they can quickly find vital information about your health. Bottles are funded by local Lions Clubs and are free to users. Ask your local GP surgery, pharmacy or Lions Club for details. Call 0845 833 9502 to find your nearest Lions Club.
NHS Wales
This is a 24 hour, seven day a week service which is staffed by trained nurses who provide confidential healthcare advice and information. NHS Wales can also provide information about GPs, Dentists, Pharmacists and local health and well-being services, including support groups. NHS Wales can be contacted via phone: 0845 46 47 or their website address: NHS Wales (opens in a new tab)
Your Pharmacist
Pharmacists can give advice about minor illness and injury, and appropriate treatment and medication. Pharmacists may offer a range of other services for example: smoking cessation advice, weight management advice and blood pressure testing. They can assess your symptoms and help decide if you need to see a doctor. Pharmacists are extensively trained and may be available for advice on a drop-in basis during opening hours.
Some pharmacies will collect your prescriptions from your doctor’s surgery for you, and some may deliver repeat prescriptions to your home. Ask your surgery for details of local chemists that offer this service.
Out of Hours Pharmacy
Patients should collect repeat prescriptions in advance of the holiday period and ensure they are stocked with common over the counter medicines to address symptoms such colds, flu, indigestion and mild pain.
Check with your usual pharmacist before a holiday period, check your local newspaper or NHS Wales (opens in a new tab)
GP Practices
GP practices in Pembrokeshire providing general primary and preventative care to patients. They are a patient’s first point of contact, providing care for routine, urgent and chronic problems. GPs may refer patients onto hospital, specialist and community services.
Your GP practice provides care Monday – Friday, 08.00am - 6.30pm.
Your GP practice can also provide you with advice and contact details for a range of community support groups and voluntary organisations. If you help care for someone your GP can register you as a carer in their records through the Investors in Carers scheme, which aims to provide carers with the support they need from GP surgeries and Health Centres (see Advice and support for carers, family and friends for more information). Alternatively, contact the Carer’s Information Service on 01437 764551.
Some GP practices now offer online services, such as repeat prescription ordering and appointment booking. Ask your surgery for information.
GP Out of Hours Service/ Doctors on Call
The Out of Hours service is available for urgent care only when your GP practice is closed. It must only be used for urgent health care problems that cannot wait until your GP practice re-opens.
The service operates Monday to Friday 6.30pm – 8.00am, and at weekends and bank holidays. Ring your local GP practice for instruction on how to access the out-of-hours service.
You should make appointments for routine matters, such as repeat prescriptions and minor ailments, prior to holiday periods
You should call 999 or visit the Accident and Emergency Department at their local hospitals only if you have a genuine emergency.