Patient Advice

Bowel Cancer Screening at St Mark’s Hospital has now resumed please click below for further information:

• https://www.stmarksbowelscreen.co.uk/

In light of recent advice concerning COVID-19 and the restriction of movement of people, we are writing to advise you that we will be operating a telephone registration service ONLY for the registration of deaths as from Wednesday 1^st April 2020.

Step 1 – The front and back of the death certificate should be emailed to [email protected]

Step 2 – Make an appointment to register a death online by going to, https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/births-deaths-ceremonies

Step 3 – Call during the time that has been allocated to register the death

Only if one is unable to use an online service, they can call on 01895 250418 to make an appointment, but we would request families to use the online service where possible.

Please see the following website on childhood vaccinations. It gives advice on the various vaccines and when children should have them. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/NHS-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

Taking the heat away from the skin as soon as possible is the most important factor. Apply large quantities of cold water immediately, for up to 15 minutes if necessary. If the skin is broken, or if the area of the burn is larger than four or five inches in diameter, further advice should be sought. If the eye is burnt, apply cold water liberally from a cup.

Sunburn

With sunburn, remember prevention is better than cure. Use high factor sun cream before exposure, especially on children.

Sore Throats

The vast majority of sore throats in children and adults are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Even when bacteria are isolated from the throat, there is no evidence that antibiotics speed recovery. Treatment should be with paracetamol in children, and paracetamol and aspirin in adults.

Ear Infections

Recent research has shown that most ear infections will resolve without antibiotics. Children with earache should be given paracetamol. If the pain is severe, please see the doctor in surgery hours during Appointment time.

Here is a list of useful medicines etc to keep in your medical chest at home.

Soluble Aspirin Tablets

For adults and children over the age of 12. Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.

Paracetamol Mixture

For relief of pain or fever in young children.

Sedative Cough Linctus

For dry or painful coughs.

Menthol Crystals

Add to hot water to make steam inhalations. Also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub on the chest.

Ephedrine Nose Drops

For runny noses in children over one year old. Use before meals and at night but not for more than 4 days.

Dioralyte/Rehydration Sachets

For fluid replacement in diarrhoea/vomiting.

Antiseptic Cream

For treating septic spots, sores in the nose and grazes.

Calamine Lotion

For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites and stings and sunburn.

Many conditions get better on their own, and can be treated successfully at home. 111 is available 24 hours a day for advice on all medical matters.

Your pharmacist may be able to help you with these common ailments and advise on medicines you can buy over the counter.

Colds and Flu

These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. They are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are of no use in treating them. Treatment consists of taking recommended doses of paracetamol for the temperature and aches, and drinking plenty of fluids. Seek advice if symptoms persist after one week BUT earlier for a child or if you are worried.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting will usually get better on their own. Treatment consists of replacing the fluid you have lost and resting the digestive system. Sachets of powder such as Dioralyte and Rehidrat, which can be made into a drink, are available from the chemist. If the diarrhoea contains blood or there is severe pain or high fever, you should discuss it with the doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies should be treated with caution and the doctor will be happy to advise you over the phone or arrange to see you if necessary.

Backache, Strains and Sprains

Many acute strains, sprains and backache will respond to a few days rest with paracetamol taken for pain. If symptoms persist, contact the doctor.

Head Lice

These creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated shampoos can be obtained from the chemist without a prescription, or for children from the health visitor.

Insect Bites and Stings

Most of these need no treatment. Anti-histamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will relieve most symptoms.

Nosebleeds

Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for about ten minutes, by which time the bleeding usually stops. If the bleeding continues, place a plug of cotton wool in your nostril and ask for advice from 111 or your doctor

Sprains

First apply a cold compress containing ice for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce swelling. Apply a firm crepe bandage and give a sprain plenty of rest
elevated if ankle) until the discomfort has subsided.

Stopping smoking has major health benefits.

If you would like to stop smoking, please ask your GP or nurse for advice. They may be able to prescribe you something to make it easier for you, and refer you to a smoking cessation counsellor.

Smoking Cessation Advice Clinics

Please feel free to participate in the Stop Smoking Programme currently running in the Hillingdon Primary Care Trust. A specially trained advisor will be able to offer you one to one or group support and nicotine replacement therapy on prescription. This is a free service to you and attending will not affect any medical care you may be having, your Doctor will be informed of your progress.

The appointments are limited at present so I would urge you to contact the free phone number: 0800 169 7541 to make an appointment for the Stop Smoking Clinic as soon as possible. These appointments cannot be made through the surgery telephone system.

Our Practice Nurse is trained to advise you on smoking cessation or can be seen at smoking cessation advice clinics.