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Self-care could cut need for millions of GP visits Don't go to GP with runny nose, councils urge the sick
(about 9 hours later)
Simple self-care measures could end the need for millions of visits to GPs every year, according to the Local Government Association. Millions of visits to the doctor for coughs and colds are unnecessary and the sick should be helped to treat themselves, councils say.
It says one in five appointments is for minor ailments such as runny noses and colic in children. They say one in five appointments is for minor ailments, such as runny noses, back pain and colic in children.
The LGA, which represents English and Welsh councils, asks people to consider getting help from a pharmacist or sites such as NHS Choices. The Local Government Association, representing councils in England and Wales, is asking people to consider going to pharmacies or NHS websites.
It says such an approach could help save GPs an hour a day on average.It says such an approach could help save GPs an hour a day on average.
The LGA took over responsibility for public health - including health awareness - in 2013. GPs handle 57 million cases of minor conditions and illnesses, such as coughs, colds, back pain and insect bites a year, while A&Es deal with 3.7 million similar cases, costing the NHS more than £2bn.
It says people need to "stop and think" before booking a GP appointment. Back pain is one of the most common causes for a GP visit yet most cases can be treated with over-the-counter treatments and self care.
Back pain is one of the most common causes for a GP visit yet the majority of cases can be treated with over-the-counter treatments and self care.
The same is true of other minor ailments, such as coughs, colds and indigestion, says the LGA.The same is true of other minor ailments, such as coughs, colds and indigestion, says the LGA.
'Hour a day' It cites latest figures showing:
Jonathan MacShane, who is on the LGA's Community Wellness Board said: "We know GP practices are under huge pressure as it is. The LGA wants GPs to help to educate people about how to treat themselves, without seeing a doctor.
"So this inappropriate use of those valuable scarce appointments is really worrying. 'Culture of care'
"And we reckon that an average GP could save an hour a day if people weren't attending with these kinds of conditions, which they could look after themselves." It says councils, which have had a responsibility for public health since 2013, have been behind a drive to improve "health literacy" among patients.
He added: "We could see real benefits if we could get this shift in behaviour." Councillor Izzi Seccombe, chairwoman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said: "We need a new culture of care, where people stop and think before calling the doctor."
Izzi Seccombe, chairwoman of the board, added: "Self-care should be a central part of how we care for patients, which is something councils up and down the country are actively promoting." GPs and A&E departments were already overstretched yet many appointments were unnecessary, she said.
"Patients need to be helped in learning how to look after themselves, for example in managing long-term conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and GPs can play a key role in this."
Jonathan MacShane, who is also on the LGA's Community Wellness Board, said: "We reckon that an average GP could save an hour a day if people weren't attending with the kinds of conditions, which they could look after themselves."
Dr Ian Banks, of the Self Care Forum - a body made up of representatives from organisations including the Men's Health Forum, Public Health England and the Royal College of Nursing, said: "Most people are entirely capable of looking after themselves most of the time, self-treating when it's safe and knowing where and when to seek help when they need it.Dr Ian Banks, of the Self Care Forum - a body made up of representatives from organisations including the Men's Health Forum, Public Health England and the Royal College of Nursing, said: "Most people are entirely capable of looking after themselves most of the time, self-treating when it's safe and knowing where and when to seek help when they need it.
"There will always be others however, who might need a bit more support to become empowered and confident in making the right health decision.""There will always be others however, who might need a bit more support to become empowered and confident in making the right health decision."