Self Care & Treatment

Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from brushing your teeth, doing some exercise, managing common conditions (like headaches, colds and flu) or living with a long-term health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.

Did you know?

• The NHS belongs to all of us – help us to keep it working smoothly by turning up for appointments

• Every time you see a GP it costs the NHS £43, on average, for a 12-minute consultation

• A visit to Accident and Emergency costs £112

As well as the care we provide at our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for free health advice, information or treatment.

Self Help & Referrals

Further resources and information about patient self help and care, including Mental Health Support, Minor Ailments treatment and Smoking Support are also available. 

The NHS now also accepts a number of self referrals directly from the patient, without the need for a consultation with your GP surgery. These include direct referrals into the Welsh Eyecare Service, Physiotherapy and Podiatry.

For more info, please visit NHS 111 WALES.

Medications to keep at home

Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

We suggest you keep the following medications at home for treatment of your minor ailments:

• 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• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy