Help us help you get the treatment you need.
The NHS in Gloucestershire is launching the Help us, help you get the treatment you need campaign in the county today.
Clinicians are urging local people to seek medical help if they are worried about their health or have symptoms that need to be checked out urgently.
Even with the current Covid-19 pandemic, people will continue to suffer from other illnesses and will need the help of the NHS.
Nationally, the number of people presenting with symptoms of possible heart attack, stroke and suspected cancer has reduced considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic and health leaders are also encouraging people struggling with their mental health to seek support.
Urgent care lead for NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Jeremy Welch said:
“While everyone is being encouraged to stay at home where possible, it can be hard to know what to do if you’re unwell.
If you’re worried about your health or have symptoms that need to be checked out urgently – then the message is clear – don’t delay, act today. This will be better for your health in the long run.
NHS services are still here for you. Call your GP surgery or if it’s a serious, life threatening emergency, call 999.
If people need urgent medical help and aren’t sure where to turn, they should use the NHS 111 online service or call 111.”
Worried about Cancer? – get it checked out
If people are worried about unexplained changes to their body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in their urine or a change to their usual bowel habits, they must contact their GP surgery, either online, by app or by phone.
GP cancer lead, Dr Sadaf Haque said:
“These symptoms are often caused by other relatively minor illnesses, but it’s vital to get it checked out ASAP and to put your mind at rest.
If you are referred to hospital services, you must keep your appointment – whether that’s by phone, video or in person.”
Consultant Oncologist at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Charlie Candish said:
“We want to make sure you get the tests you need in a timely way and progress any care and treatment options as quickly as possible.
If you are an existing patient, your clinician will discuss the benefits of starting or continuing your treatment with Covid-19 in mind. Arrangements have been made within the hospitals to ensure patient care is delivered safely.”
Chest pain and signs of Stroke
Consultant Stroke Physician at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Kate Hellier said:
“If you or a loved one is suffering severe chest pain or showing signs of stroke (Remember Act FAST – Face weakness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty) it’s Time to call 999.
When it’s not an emergency, but you don’t feel quite right and you or your family have concerns – call your GP.
Your GP will assess you on the phone and may want to bring you down to the surgery for an examination or tests or may want to speak with a hospital specialist on the phone.
If you are given a hospital appointment, you must keep it – whether that’s by phone, video or in person.”
Your Mental Health
The NHS and their partners are also here to support people who are struggling with their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Consultant Psychological Therapist at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Alex Burrage said:
“If you are worried about your mental health and are struggling to cope, then don’t suffer alone. Call the Let’s Talk service on 0800 073 2200, www.letstalkglos.nhs.uk or contact your GP.
Information is also available on our website which describes the range of support available to both young people and adults.”
