All primary care services still available
HYWEL Dda University Health Board bosses are reassuring the public that all primary care services are still available despite the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.
People are being urged to still seek medical advice and treatment and go to any regular appointments they have for their health.
The health board said that to avoid going along to any scheduled medical appointment or going to a GP surgery for health concerns could end up piling more pressure on the NHS locally.
Jill Paterson, the health board’s director of primary care, said: “Help us to help you this winter. By putting off small niggles or regular appointments you could potentially be putting more strain on NHS emergency services.
“The way people access NHS services has changed, and while it might look different, health and care professionals are working hard to keep services running whilst trying to keep everyone safe and well.”
Dr Llinos Roberts, a GP at Tumble Surgery, said: “Do not put anything off.
“Local GP surgeries are open and we are here to offer medical advice and consult patients, either face to face or over the phone.”
Heddwyn Davies is an optometrist at Evans and Hughes opticians, with branches in Llandovery, Llandeilo, Lampeter and Ammanford.
He said: “Regular examinations are important to ensure you continue to enjoy the best possible vision.”
Richard Evans, a community pharmacist from Llandysul, added: “While we have had to adapt our services during the pandemic, we have always been open and will continue to provide medication under the common ailments scheme or the emergency supply of medication.”
The message is that primary care services are here for you should you need to access them at this time.
Anyone unsure how best to get treatment, check online at https://111.wales. nhs.uk/ , or call 111 for advice.
For persistent symptoms contact your GP, and remember if you have Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, self-isolate and book a test via the UK booking portal https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test