Self Care

Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?

By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems. Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:

• Back pain
• Dermatitis
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
• Constipation
• Migraines
• Coughs
• Acne
• Sprains and strains
• Headaches

Visit the NHS website

Pharmacy First

Your local pharmacist can help too. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and can give you confidential health advice for a range of common illnesses and complaints. Click here for information about how pharmacies can help you.

Medicine cabinet

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• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Other NHS services

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Pharmacy First was launched in 2024 and provides an excellent first-line service. 

You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.

Visit our Who Should I See? page for more information