As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
Your local pharmacy can assist you with any routine medical issue through the Pharmacy First service. This includes: coughs/colds, skin rashes, animal bites and women’s urinary tract infections.
For injuries such as broken bones and accidents, we advise patient to contact 111 and ask for a Minor Injuries Assessment at one of the hospitals in Edinburgh (RIE or Western General). We are not equipped to triage injuries sustained by accident.
We remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep the medicine in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy