Information on local services

With World Cup fever taking hold, the NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people to look after themselves, act responsibility and use NHS services sensibly: please think twice before heading to A&E or calling 999 when it’s not an emergency.

Here are some top tips to keep well whilst enjoying the football:

  • Keep hydrated – if you’re feeling thirsty, lightheaded, dizzy or tired, you may be dehydrated. Make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic cold drinks available and drink enough so that your pee is a pale clear colour
  • Drink alcohol sensibly – intersperse your alcoholic drinks with water and stick to safe levels
  • Sun safety – it is forecast to be over 25C in Gloucestershire on Saturday! Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer, so make sure you stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm and use sunscreen, at least factor 15. Take extra care with children
  • Heat exhaustion – beware of the signs, such as dizziness, headaches, cramps and a fast pulse. Move to a cool place, lie down and raise your feet. Drink plenty of water and cool your skin with cold water or a fan
  • Barbecue safety – If you break out the barbecue, ensure you have followed all the safety guidance properly and food is thoroughly cooked through to avoid any injuries or upset stomachs
  • Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, with medicines such as paracetamol which can treat a number of everyday illnesses
  • Take early action – seek advice from your local pharmacy if you have a long term health condition and are starting to feel unwell before it gets more serious. Further advice can be found at: nhs.uk/staywell

If you do find yourself ill, injured or unwell and you are not sure where to seek help, here are a few useful pointers:

  • The ASAP website asapglos.nhs.uk provides information about lots of health conditions such as heat exhaustion, looking after yourself and where to find the right help. You can also download the ASAP Glos NHS App free from your App store
  • Remember that pharmacists are experts in medicines, and can give advice and treatments for lots of minor conditions, such as sunburn, hay fever and rashes
  • If you need urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed, call NHS 111 and they will make sure you receive the advice and care you need
  • The GP-led Gloucester Health Access Centre on Eastgate Street, Gloucester, is open every day over the break between 8am and 8pm. Please call 01452 336 290 to make an appointment
  • Use Emergency Services wisely – please only call 999 when it’s a serious injury or a life threatening situation such as unconsciousness, heavy loss of blood, severe chest pain or stroke

Deputy Chair of NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP, Dr Hein Le Roux, advises:

“We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine and the football, but to also just take a few simple steps to ensure you and your family are prepared for the hot weather and all eventualities.

GP appointments are available in your area during the evenings and at the weekend and can be booked by contacting your surgery during surgery hours.”