Helping yourself – Antibiotics, Mental Health Services & Local Pharmacies
Antibiotics
Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.
For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections.
These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.
Ear infections typically last 4 days
89% of cases clear up on their own
A sore throat typically lasts 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days
80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days
Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.
Other local NHS services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, 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 chest 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- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Mental Health Services
Newcastle Psychological Services
Who are they?
Newcastle Psychological Services aim to help residents of Newcastle who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. They have a diverse and friendly team consisting of Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors and Primary Care Mental Health Practitioners – some of whom are based in our surgery. Full details are available at their website www.newcastlehealthyminds.nhs.uk/. Their website also offers self-help guidance and information on a range of common problems such as anxiety, sleep problems, etc.
Refer Yourself
They have now made it easier for you to access some of their services. Simply fill out a referral form on-line for the type of help you require and they will call you back at a time that’s convenient for you. Alternatively see your GP to discuss referral.
Classes
The Psychology department offer classes to help deal with Stress Control, Anger Management, Improving Sleep and Self-Confidence for Women. The dates and times can be found in this link.
Newcastle Talking Therapies
Newcastle Talking Therapies are a free and confidential service commissioned by NHS North of Tyne and available to everyone living in Newcastle aged 16 years and over. The service offers a range of talking therapies, advice, information and support. Talking therapies are effective in helping people with problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, anger, fears, bereavement and relationship difficulties. These therapies can help you understand what is happening to you, help you work through your difficult feelings and develop strategies for coping better. Their web site is currently under development but their service information leaflet is available for download here.
Anyone wanting to access the service can call them on their Freephone number: 0300 555 1115. They will be pleased to arrange an appointment for you or answer any questions you may have about the service.
Your local pharmacist
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice – you don’t need an appointment. Several pharmacies operate the ‘Think Pharmacy First’ scheme, offering free consultations and treatment for some illnesses and minor ailments (click here for further details). Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. CallNHS Direct for details –
0845 – 46 47; https://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
To find details of local pharmacies click here.
Throckley Chemists (click for details of opening hours and map)
Throckley P/Care Centre, Tillmouth Park Road, Throckley, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 9NY
Tel: 0191 210 6750
Newburn Pharmacy (click for details of opening hours and map)
1 Newburn Road, Newburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 8LX
Tel: 0191 267 4393
Tesco Superstores (click for details of opening hours and map)
The Pharmacy, Brunton Lane, Kingston Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 2FP
Tel: 0191 220 7447
Asda Pharmacy (click for details of opening hours and map)
Maple Row, Metrocentre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9YA
Tel: 0191 460 0873
Lloyds Pharmacy (click for details of opening hours and map)
8 The Shopping Centre, Hillhead Parkway, Chapel House Estate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 1DT
Tel: 0191 267 6705
Boots (click for details of opening hours and map)
3 Tyne View, Lemington, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 8DE
Tel: 0191 267 4319
Boots (click for details of opening hours and map)
3 The Crossway, Lemington, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 7LA
Tel: 0191 229 0033
Alliance Pharmacy (click for details of opening hours and map)
25 Denton Park Centre, West Denton Way, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 2QZ
Tel: 0191 267 9508
Wylam Pharmacy (click for details of opening hours and map)
Main Street, Wylam, Northumberland, NE41 8AB
Tel: 01661 852253
Alliance Pharmacy (click for details of opening hours and map)
381 Stamfordham Road, Westerhope, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 2LH
Tel: 0191 286 0587
Ashchem Chemists (click for details of opening hours and map)
684 West Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 2UR
Tel: 0191 274 5653
Ashchem Chemists (click for details of opening hours and map)
293 Denton Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 7HJ
Tel: 0191 274 1970
