Overview.You have been seen in the Emergency Department and suspected to have a fracture of the scaphoid bone, a bone at the base of the thumb. Your initial treatment will be a plaster cast to stop movement of your wrist and thumb, to help the bones heal. You will need it for four to six weeks. You may use the …
Read moreParacetamol overdose emergency department leaflet
11th February 2019Overview Paracetamol is a common painkiller and is present in many cold and flu preparations and often combined with other painkillers. It can cause harm when taken in amounts above the recommended daily dose. Taking too much paracetamol is known as an overdose and needs medical attention. When too much paracetamol is taken, you can overwhelm your body’s defences against …
Read moreUse of pain relief ED leaflet
11th February 2019Overview.The type of medicines that you need to treat your pain depend on what type of pain you have. For pain associated with inflammation, such as back pain or headaches, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers work best. If the pain is caused by sensitive or damaged nerves, as is the case with shingles or sciatica, it is usually treated with tablets …
Read moreNosebleed (epistaxis) emergency department leaflet
11th February 2019What causes a nosebleed?A nosebleed (also known as epistaxis) is bleeding from the nose due to burst blood vessels at the front or back of the nostrils. The bleeding is usually mild and easily treated. If the bleeding is more severe, it is usually in older people or in people with other medical problems. We don’t always find a reason …
Read moreBroken nose (nasal fracture) emergency department leaflet
11th February 2019Broken nose: overviewA broken nose is common, especially after a fall, a sports injury or a fight. The bones in your nose are the ones in your face that are most often broken because they stick out and do not have a lot of support. A broken nose usually heals on its own within three weeks. Get medical help if …
Read moreMental health emergency department leaflet
11th February 2019Your mental health We all experience low points at times in our lives, and it’s not unusual to feel sad, anxious, stressed, or low in mood. You may be experiencing a mental health crisis for the first time or a deterioration of an existing condition. The Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help …
Read moreKidney stones emergency department leaflet
11th February 2019OverviewYou have been found to have a stone in your urinary tract and have been discharged home with pain relief and advice to drink plenty of fluids. We hope that your stone or stones will pass within the next few days and your symptoms will improve. If you have ongoing symptoms after 48 hours you should return to be reviewed …
Read moreEarly Pregnancy Unit (EPU) emergency department leaflet
11th February 2019OverviewWhy have I been referred to the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)? You are reading this because you have attended the Emergency Department with bleeding or abdominal pain in the early stages of your pregnancy. Patients with these symptoms can usually be safely discharged from hospital and return for the next available Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) appointment. This is usually the …
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