Is it an emergency?
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Emergency departments
The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and Horton General Hospital in Banbury both have Emergency Departments, open 24 hours a day. The John Radcliffe Hospital has a dedicated Children's Emergency Department.
If you need an ambulance, dial 999: how to call for an ambulance
Please remember - if the situation is an emergency and you need immediate care dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
- Chest pain
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Severe blood loss
- Choking
- Blacking out
Dial 999 immediately.
40 percent of 999 calls are from patients who do not need to go to hospital. Misuse costs lives: www.999southcentral.co.uk
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How to recognise a stroke: act FAST
- Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call 999 - if the person has any of the three above symptoms, call an ambulance.
Fast access to the proper treatment can radically improve the chances of a good recovery.
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Alternatives for non-emergency cases
NHS Direct: 0845 4647 and NHS Choices
NHS Direct operates a 24 hour, 365 days a year advice and health information service, providing confidential information on:
- what to do if you or your family are feeling ill
- particular health conditions
- local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies
- self-help and support organisations.
The NHS Choices website has a range of health-related information about local health services, such as your nearest GP, dentist or pharmacy.
Pharmacists (chemists)
Pharmacists can choose the right medicine for you and give advice on health problems. They can help you decide if you need to see a doctor.
Visit your GP
Your GP offers medical advice and treatment, prescriptions and referral to a specialist or hospital where necessary.
Information about your local GP services can be found on the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Cluster website.
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Out of Hours service
Out of Hours Service: 0845 345 8995
For urgent health problems when GP surgeries are closed:
- 6.30pm - 8.30am Monday to Friday
- 24 hours over weekends and bank holidays.
For routine appointments or repeat prescriptions please contact your surgery during normal opening hours.
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Minor Injury Units / First Aid Units
Minor Injury Units (MIUs) are nurse-led services which treat minor injuries such as strains, sprains and broken bones. Specialist advice available from local emergency departments and specialist teams when needed.
There is no need to make an appointment at an MIU.
What are minor injuries?
- Minor bumps to the head
- Sprains, broken bones, fractures and dislocated fingers
- Minor burns, cuts and bruises
- Nose bleeds
- Bites and stings
- Simple ear, nose and eye complaints such as removal of splinters
After initial treatment some people may be referred to specialist services or to a GP.
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South Oxfordshire Units
Witney Minor Injury Unit (MIU)
Outpatients Department
Witney Hospital
Welsh Way
Witney OX28 6JJ
Tel: 01608 648262
10.00am - 10.30pm, seven days a week.
X-rays available: 10.00am - 7.30pm, seven days a week (excluding bank holidays).
Abingdon Minor Injury Unit (MIU)
Marcham Road
Abingdon OX14 1AG
Tel: 01865 425161
10.00am - 10.30pm, seven days a week.
X-rays available:
10.00am - 7.00pm Monday to Thursday
10.00am - 2.00pm Friday .
No X-ray currently at weekends.
Wallingford First Aid Unit
Wallingford Hospital
Reading Road
OX10 9DU
Tel: 01865 425200
8.30am - 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
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North Oxfordshire Units
Bicester Community Hospital First Aid Unit
King's End
Bicester
OX6 7DU
Tel: 01869 604122
6.00pm - 11.00pm Monday to Friday
8.30am - 11.00pm weekends and Bank Holidays
Chipping Norton War Memorial Community Hospital First Aid Unit (MIU)
Chipping Norton War Memorial Community Hospital
Outpatient Unit
Russell Way, off London Road
Chipping Norton OX7 5FA
Tel: 01608 648233
5.00pm - 9.00pm Monday to Friday
10.00am - 9.00pm weekends and Bank Holidays
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