Facelift for children's area of A&E
The children's area of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Accident and Emergency unit will be closed for two weeks later this month as it undergoes an extensive refurbishment.
Norwich's A&E, the busiest in the region treating more than 72,000 patients a year, has a separate waiting and treatment area for children and it will close from May 12 until May 24 to allow workmen to refurbish the area.
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has an ongoing refurbishment programme that has already seen six wards refurbished and the children's area of A&E is next on the works schedule.
The refurbishment means that for two weeks children will use a designated space in the main A&E waiting area and treatment areas have also been set aside within the rest of the A&E unit.
The public are also being reminded that A&E is not the only option and the NHS in Norfolk provides a full range of services every day of the year including weekends and bank holidays:
Norwich NHS Walk In Centre
For minor injuries and illnesses, visit the Norwich NHS Walk-In Centre, Dussindale, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, telephone 01603 300122. The team of experienced nurses will assess, advise and treat people without an appointment. The Centre is open on weekdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 10 pm, and Sundays and bank holidays from 9 am to 10 pm.
Cromer and District Hospital Minor Injuries Unit
Cromer Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit, Mill Road, is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, and its ermegency care nurses can treat a range of minor injuries.
GP Out of hours (inc weekends and public holidays)
When your GP’s surgery is closed, Anglian Medical Care provides family medical care overnight, at weekends and on bank holidays. Either call your doctors number and listen to the answer’ phone message or call the service direct on 01603 488488. A doctor will assess your problem and will either give advice over the phone, arrange a home visit from a GP or other qualified professional, or ask you to visit your nearest centre for treatment.
Emergency NHS dental care
If you have dental pain and need advice or treatment during the evening, at a weekend or a public holiday call this number: 08456 003246. You will be able to get advice on pain relief or an appointment will be made for you to see an emergency dental practitioner within 24 hours. The service is open weekdays and weekends (between 18.00 and 08.30), and on bank holidays.
NHS Direct
For free, confidential advice from experienced nurses call NHS Direct 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0845 46 47 or visit NHS Direct Online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk the website includes a self help guide, a health encyclopaedia and links to other useful sources of health information.
When your GP’s surgery is closed and one of the other services is not appropriate, pharmacies can also often give health advice especially concerning medicines.