Families encouraged to Choose Well this summer holiday   You are here: Home » News Detail

With schools breaking up for summer holidays NHS Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire is reminding families of the health services available in the area.

Cuts, bruises, bumps and grazes are some of the most common occurrences when children are off school, most of which can be treated by self-care. It’s vital to make sure you choose the most appropriate NHS service to ensure your family receives quick and convenient treatment. Here are our top tips for the summer holidays:

1. Where possible, self care and remember you can always seek advice from NHS Direct which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0845 46 47, or alternatively you can visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk

2. Don’t forget you can also speak to your local pharmacist, who can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints

3. Injuries that give more cause for concern such as sprains, strains, minor burns and wounds can be treated at:

- Corby Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) is open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays. Willowbrook Health Complex, Cottingham Road, Corby NN17 2UW. Tel: 01536 400600

- Northampton’s Minor Emergency offers the same services as the Corby Minor Injuries Unit, plus treatment for minor illnesses like stomach upsets and ear infections. Minor Emergency is located next door to Northampton General Hospital’s A&E department and shares the same opening hours as Accident and Emergency

- Milton Keynes Urgent Care Centre. The centre is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and at weekends and bank holidays.

4. You can see a doctor or nurse every day between 8am and 8pm at the Lakeside Plus Walk-in Centre in Corby (same address as the Minor Injury Unit).

5. If it’s an emergency and you need care after hours, call the Northamptonshire Out of Hours Service on 03336 664 664. The service is available from 6.30pm - 8am on weekdays and 24 hours a day at weekends. In Milton Keynes call 01908 201022

6. When the sun is shining, remember to wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes and drink regularly - even if you do not feel thirsty. Water or fruit juice are best

7. Remember to put on your sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 – the higher the better. However, no sunscreen, whether it’s factor 15 or 50, will give the protection it claims unless you apply it properly, and no sunscreen can give 100 per cent protection. Sunscreen can easily be washed, rubbed or sweated off so re-apply it frequently.

8. Accident & Emergency (A&E) is only for the most urgent care such as serious accidents or medical emergencies.

Dr Judith Dawson, Urgent Care Lead of NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We want to help families stay healthy and enjoy their summer holidays. If you do get ill or sustain an injury you can get quick and convenient treatment from minor injury units, GP practices, pharmacies and through self care leaving A&E free for the most serious cases.”

Dr Peter Wilczynski, Chair designate of NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group said: “It is a very exciting time for Corby with the construction of the new Urgent Care Centre. Despite the ongoing work we would like to remind everyone that the Minor Injury Unit and Walk-In Centre are open everyday so you can get the treatment you need on your doorstep this summer."

For more information on the range of options available, go to the Choose Well website.