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Home Visits
Requests for home visits should be made as early as possible before 10.00am to enable the doctor to plan his or her route.
Requests should only be made when it is impossible for the patient to attend the surgery. The receptionist will ask you the nature of the problem and the condition of the patient to enable the doctor to assess the urgency of the visit.
In an emergency a home visit can be requested at any time by telephoning 0845 6710 270 when the doctor on call will attend. At nights, weekends and on Bank Holidays any emergency calls will be dealt with by the doctor on call. Calls will be directed to a message handling service who will put you directly in touch with the on call doctor.
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Sprains, Strains & Injuries
Remember "RICE" - it stands for...
REST
Keep the injured area still for the first few hours (maximum 24 hours) to
allow the inflammation to settle. If you have a sore back, lie on your
tummy but DO NOT SIT IN A LOW CHAIR.
ICE
Frozen peas or an ice-pack, covered with a cloth or towel (to prevent ice
burns) should be applied over the painful area for 10 to 15 minutes. Use
hourly. the skin will be cold, pink and numb, making the area feel more
comfortable. DO NOT APPLY HEAT.
COMPRESSION
A bandage with cotton wool or tubigrip helps to support the damaged limb
thus helping to prevent further swelling. If fingers or toes swell or go
blue REMOVE BANDAGE IMMEDIATELY.
ELEVATION
Support leg or arm with a pillow so that the foot or hand is higher than
the hip or shoulder. If the injured part is unsupported, swelling of the
foot or hand is likely to occur.
Sprains, Strains & Injuries
later in the treatment Remember "MICE" - it stands for...
MOVEMENT
Once the injured part feels more comfortable, start to move the joints to
prevent stiffness and tightness. Slowly stretch the muscles (in order to
stretch scar tissue). Move little and often and, after a time, you will
feel more comfortable - honestly!
ICE
Frozen peas, ice-packs, cold sprays, iced water and ice cubes massage, all
help to reduce pain and inflammation. Keep using these methods until the
skin feels a normal temperature, even if it is three weeks after the
injury.
COMPRESSION
Take off supports at night unless you feel too uncomfortable. After four
or five days, start taking off the tubigrip for short periods of time but
if swelling persists WEAR THE SUPPORT.
ELEVATION
As time progresses, elevating the limb is not so important. However, if
swelling remains evident, then do ELEVATE.
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Medical Certificates
Medical certificates for absence from work through sickness are available at
the surgery. For the first seven days self certification is on form SC1,
but for longer periods you will need a consultation with your doctor to
obtain a certificate or, if you are under the care of a hospital doctor,
request one from him/her.
Medicine & First Aid at home
This list of sensible items should be in every families medicine cupboard.
Remember: Keep all medicines in a lockable cupboard.
- Paracetamol tablets (adults, for fever and pain)
- Paracetamol liquid Calpol (children, for fever and pain)
- Aspirin soluble (adults only, for fever, gargle for sore throats)
- Antishistamine tablets (adults only, for bites, hayfever and allergic rashes)
- Menthol crystals (inhale with steam for blocked nose/sinuses)
- Vapour rub/capsules (Vicks, Karvol, etc)
- Thermometer
- Antiseptic cream and solution
- Cotton Wool
- Calamine liquid (soothes itching)
- Sterile dressing pack
- Selection of sticking plasters
- 3 inch crepe bandage
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