Red Cross pilot project at Tenby to continue to September
A weekend summer service pilot run by the British Red Cross is continuing at Tenby Hospital.
The pilot summer service provides people with treatment for injuries such as strains, sprains and insect bites, or illnesses such as minor allergic reactions.
The pilot summer service provides people with treatment for injuries such as strains, sprains and insect bites, or illnesses such as minor allergic reactions.
The Red Cross are also able to offer advice and triage services for other injuries and illnesses.
For the first few weeks, the Red Cross service ran alongside the Minor Injury Unit with emergency nurse practitioners on site.
For the first few weeks, the Red Cross service ran alongside the Minor Injury Unit with emergency nurse practitioners on site.
This trial period has now ended and the Red Cross service has been evaluated as being safe and appropriate.
During the evaluation period the Red Cross service only referred a small number of people to the MIU service.
Hospital Director and Associate Medical Director for Quality and Safety at Hywel Dda Health Board, Dr Iain Robertson-Steel said: “We have looked carefully at the clinical need of the patients who have attended Tenby Hospital during the pilot period and it has been deemed that the Red Cross service is appropriate to assist and refer these people if needed.
“This also allows us to utilise the emergency nurse practitioners at Withybush Hospital accident and emergency unit which is extremely busy at this time of year.”
The pilot first aid service will continue over each weekend and during the August bank holiday until 7 September 2013.
Tenby’s Minor Injury Unit continues to operate its usual weekday service between Monday to Friday.
Dr Robertson- Steel added: “We would like remind people about Choose Well which will help you decide if you need medical attention if you get sick.
“For example Community Pharmacies are able to give advice and signposting and provide over the counter remedies for common conditions such as coughs, colds, allergic reactions, and emergency contraception (i.e. Morning After Pill).
“Choosing Well means that you and your family will get the best treatment. It also allows busy NHS services to help the people who need them most. Your help with this will save lives.
“NHS Direct Wales can help with any health questions, around the clock, and help find local services. You can phone the helpline on 0845 46 47 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk”
For more information on which service is right for you go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
During the evaluation period the Red Cross service only referred a small number of people to the MIU service.
Hospital Director and Associate Medical Director for Quality and Safety at Hywel Dda Health Board, Dr Iain Robertson-Steel said: “We have looked carefully at the clinical need of the patients who have attended Tenby Hospital during the pilot period and it has been deemed that the Red Cross service is appropriate to assist and refer these people if needed.
“This also allows us to utilise the emergency nurse practitioners at Withybush Hospital accident and emergency unit which is extremely busy at this time of year.”
The pilot first aid service will continue over each weekend and during the August bank holiday until 7 September 2013.
Tenby’s Minor Injury Unit continues to operate its usual weekday service between Monday to Friday.
Dr Robertson- Steel added: “We would like remind people about Choose Well which will help you decide if you need medical attention if you get sick.
“For example Community Pharmacies are able to give advice and signposting and provide over the counter remedies for common conditions such as coughs, colds, allergic reactions, and emergency contraception (i.e. Morning After Pill).
“Choosing Well means that you and your family will get the best treatment. It also allows busy NHS services to help the people who need them most. Your help with this will save lives.
“NHS Direct Wales can help with any health questions, around the clock, and help find local services. You can phone the helpline on 0845 46 47 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk”
For more information on which service is right for you go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
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