THE Department of Health has clarified the most appropriate ways for the public to obtain urgent and emergency medical care outside of normal working hours.
Patients who need to consult a GP urgently for matters that cannot wait until their GP surgery re-opens should telephone the Manx Emergency Doctors' Service (MEDS) on 650355.
The Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Noble's Hospital is available specifically for patients who have an injury or severe illness.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "Clearly, the key message is that the department will ensure that the public receive the treatment they require in an urgent or emergency situation, no matter the hour or day of the year.
"That said, it's important for the public to know when it is appropriate to call MEDS, the Island's out of hours GP service and when they should attend A&E at Noble's Hospital and, of course, when to dial 999."
The provision of MEDS means that a GP service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as is the case with the A&E service at Noble's Hospital.
Because of this, the public are encouraged to use a GP as they normally would, and only to attend A&E for emergencies or injuries or when advised to do so by the MEDS GP.
Residents are reminded that emergency contraception, if required, should first and foremost be obtained from a chemist and not A&E or the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital.
Mr Anderson added: "It's about ensuring that the Department of Health's resources are deployed and utilised in the most appropriate way.
"A&E is where those with a critical or life threatening condition will be treated, such as those involved in serious road traffic accidents; so it’s important that this service isn't overwhelmed and that staff are free to deal with any emergency situations should they arise. That's why MEDS operates alongside our A&E service."
Director of Health Strategy and Performance Norman McGregor Edwards added: "My advice would be to simply think what you'd do if it was a normal working day of the week.
"If you'd call your GP, then you need to contact MEDS rather than attending A&E at Noble's Hospital.
"With MEDS you will be provided with telephone advice, given an appointment time or if necessary be offered a home visit."
MEDS is open from 6pm to 8am during weekdays and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
A&E at Noble's Hospital, Braddan, is open 24 hours a day throughout the festive period.
Dr Richard Hanks GP, Clinical Lead for MEDS, advises the public to keep a well stocked medicine cabinet, including medicines for children where appropriate, such as a paracetamol suspension, in order to be able to treat minor illnesses and symptoms (like colds, coughs and sore throats).
If symptoms are ongoing or worsening then obviously further advice should be sought from MEDS. It is good to be prepared with essential medicines and supplies in case you get ill, such as:
·Paracetamol or aspirin (asprin should not be administered to children under the age of 16 unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional)
·Anti-diahorrea medicine
·Cough medicine
·Indigestion remedy
·Plasters
·A thermometer
·Antiseptic cream
Consultant in Accident and Emergency Medicine at Noble's Hospital Maric Thorpe said: "I would like to reassure the public that if they need urgent medical attention they will receive this at A&E.
"However, I would say that in order for us to help you, please think about whether you would be better coming to A&E or using MEDS instead.
"The public are reminded that if you have chest pain or a life threatening emergency you should always call 999."
For symptoms of diahorrea or vomiting (Norovirus), existing advice from the department's Public Health Directorate still stands.
Please do not visit A&E at Noble's Hospital, MEDS, the MIU at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital or a GPs surgery and instead seek advice by telephone.
The Department of Health would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
