Minor Injuries
Hanham Surgery is a ‘Minor Injury clinic’. If you are injured you can see one of our minor injury practitioners. You can either telephone the surgery on 0117 967 5201 or drop in and tell the receptionist.
If your injuries are more urgent, i.e. if you are losing lots of blood, have severe burns, have obviously broken bones or a severe head injury, please go to the Hospital Accident and Emergency Department.
If you are unsure please ask a receptionist for advice on 0117 967 5201.
Alternatively, you can contact NHS Direct for 24 hour advice on 0845 4647 or visist the website.
General Advice and Treatment of Common Minor Illnesses
Burns
Apply cold water to the area as soon as possible, and continue until the pain eases. Apply a clean, loose, dry dressing if the skin is not broken or blistered. If the skin is broken, or the burn is larger than 4 inches, consult a doctor or nurse.
Sunburn
Care should be taken to minimise exposure to the sun particularly between 10.00 am - 2.00 pm and by the use of appropriate clothing, especially hats. Prevention of sunburn in children is extremely important. Creams with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 are ideal.
Coughs
Most coughs are the result of a viral infection and are not helped by antibiotics. The best treatment is with steam inhalations. Removing the pillows at night will also prevent mucus (phlegm) from running down the back of the throat. Do not smoke in the presence of children. Even better, do not smoke at all. You should see the doctor if the cough continues for more than a week or if it is accompanied by pain in the chest, shortness of breath or if you are coughing up blood.
Influenza
If you have long lasting chest, heart or kidney disease then a ‘flu vaccination (usually done in October) is recommended. The best remedy for ‘flu’ is to remain indoors, rest and drink plenty.
Head Lice
These creatures are very common and are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. The mainstay of treatment is wet combing using shampoo. Your pharmacist will advise about this. Medicated head lotions can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. Other members of the family should be checked, especially looking in the hairs behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, but only the affected person needs to be treated. For further advice contact your Health Visitor.
Earache
Earache is a common symptom in children. It is frequently the result of an ordinary cold and often starts at night. If caused by catarrh it will usually settle within 48 hours. The treatment is paracetamol every four hours. Persistent earache may require antibiotics and a visit to the doctor is indicated if earache has not settled after 48 hours.
Diarrhoea
Most diarrhoeal illnesses are short lasting and do not need any specific treatment. Just drink plenty of clear fluids. There is no strict rule about starvation, but eating may be accompanied by intermittent cramping pains. Antidiarrhoea tablets should never be used for children - they make the illness worse. Sugar/salt replacement sachets (eg Dioralyte or Rehidrat) are specially made for use in diarrhoea and vomiting. They are available from the chemist. You should see the doctor if the diarrhoea does not begin to settle within 48 hours, if the pain is continuous rather than intermittent or if the motions are blood-stained. Severe diarrhoea in infants under 6 months, or if a child is vomiting as well, are also reasons to consult your doctor.
Vomiting
Fluid replacement is vital (see above) but it is best not to drink anything for about the first hour after vomiting, and then sip small quantities of water, frequently. Eat nothing initially. As the stomach settles, take semisolid food, such as soups, before returning to a normal diet.
When to see the doctor
- If vomitting is accompanied by continuous stomach pain
- If vomitting lasts for more than 24 hours
- If a vomitting child has a persistent temperature of more than 38˚C
- If there are symptoms of another infection e.g. earache or pain on passing water
Nose Bleeds
Sit forward and squeeze the base of the nose over the hard and soft parts for fifteen minutes, repeat the procedure if necessary. Ring the doctor for advice if you are unable to control heavy bleeding.
