Important Health Advice
The NHS in Medway is asking parents to be aware that A&E at Medway Maritime has been seeing large numbers of children with sunburn and trampoline injuries in the last few weeks.
Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially when young, will cause damage to the genetic material of skin cells which may develop into skin cancer 15-30 years later. Parents are advised to use at least a factor 15 sunscreen and choose a broad-spectrum brand that has a four- or five-star rating. Apply it to all areas not protected by clothing, including the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Choose sunscreens formulated for children and babies, as these are less likely to irritate their skin.
Trampoline injuries can be serious. Please use safety nets round trampolines and make sure that those jumping – including adults! - do not bounce into each other or over the edge. A reminder of NHS services available in Medway if you need them:
NHS Direct: For health advice and information, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 0845 4647 http://www.nhs.uk
Pharmacies open late at night and on Sundays include:
Asda, Chatham - 01634 663010
Sainsbury’s, Hempstead Valley - 01634 360256
Karson’s, City Way, Rochester - 01634 405700
GPs – it is always best to see your own GP. See Your guide to GP surgeries and pharmacies at http://www.medwaypct.nhs.uk/yourhealth for details of phone numbers, addresses, and opening times. If you cannot see your own GP, the walk-in centre, minor injuries units or MedOCC are there to help.
Walk-in centre: For care by GPs and nurses.
Medway NHS Healthcare Centre, open 8am-8pm 7 days a week at 547-553 Canterbury Street, Gillingham ME7 5LF. Also runs sessions in Hoo, Twydall and Parkwood – for details phone 01634 575232
Minor injuries units: For minor injuries that might need cleaning, stitching or dressing.
Open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week at:
Sheppey Community Hospital, Plover Road, Minster-on-Sea, ME12 3LT 01795 879104
Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, Bell Road, Sittingbourne, ME10 4DT 01795 418300
MedOCC: For urgent care at nights and weekends 01634 891855.
You must ring first – you cannot be seen if you just turn up.
(Your GP practice can also arrange for you to be seen during the day by MedOCC if you need an urgent appointment which they cannot provide – ask the practice to refer you.)
In an emergency: for serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses, phone 999 or go to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital.
For more information about these and other services, such as NHS Medway’s Dental Helpline, and confidential emotional support go to www.medwaypct.nhs.uk/yourhealth