A new campaign launched by NHS Devon explains how people can treat themselves for minor illnesses and injuries from the comfort of their own home.

“Treatment Starts at Home” gives details of what to do if you have minor health problems such as an ear or eye infection, insect bite, cuts or blisters.  It aims to reduce pressure on busy Emergency Departments, GPs, Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injuries Units and to help people avoid a potentially long wait.

The campaign has been developed in response to some of the most common minor illnesses and injuries seen by staff in emergency departments that could be better treated at home.

NHS Devon Chief Nurse Darryn Allcorn said “Treatment for these minor conditions starts at home and further advice can be sought through a pharmacy.

“If you attend ED but could be seen more appropriately by a different service, you may be redirected there.”

Dr Jackie Lewis, Superintendent Pharmacist of Lewis Pharmacy in Exmouth, said, “We have the clinical expertise, first aid supplies and medicines on hand that can help ease your discomfort and get you feeling better without needing to wait to be seen by our busy hospital and GP staff.”

The campaign also encourages people to look at the NHS website for advice on self-care.

Self-care is the action that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness.

 Emergency Departments list some of the most common minor illnesses and conditions they see, that could be treated at home as:

• Blisters
• Cuts
• Dental Pain
• Ear Infections
• Insect Bites and Stings
• Pain
• Red Eye Infections
• Sprains
• Sunburn
• Ticks