Think you have a UTI?
| Last year, NHSGGC’s emergency departments treated 3,800 patients with a urinary tract infection (UTI). With only 1,200 of those patients – fewer than one in three – requiring to be admitted, NHSGGC is asking patients to consider alternatives before attending A&E. Pharmacies across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde play a vital role in helping patients manage UTIs and if you are a female aged 16-65 years, your local pharmacist may be able to help. Our hospitals continue to face pressures and accessing care in the right place will help reduce the risk of overcrowding in our A&Es and save any potential long waiting times to be assessed. Symptoms of a UTI that can be treated at your local pharmacy include: Pain or burning passing urine Passing urine more often than normal Urgent or little warning in needing to pass urine Lower abdominal discomfort or pain Our local pharmacies can carry out an assessment and provide you with the appropriate treatment such as an antibiotic. This means that you do not need to contact your GP practice or attend A&E, but access care in your local community. In certain circumstances, you may be referred by your pharmacist to an alternative care pathway. UTIs are very common infections that affect the kidneys, bladder and the tubes that connect them. Not everyone is aware that community pharmacies are well placed to help patients who suffer from UTIs. Often no appointment is necessary and if you are over 16 years of age, female and are not pregnant, the pharmacy can help. Some have consultation rooms available where you can discuss your symptoms with a pharmacist in private and they can provide a short course of antibiotics to treat the infection if appropriate. There are some measures you can take to help prevent UTIs such as staying well hydrated by drinking six to eight cups of fluid a day, passing urine whenever you feel the need to, and making sure your bladder is fully empty. More information, including a self-help tool, can be found on the NHS Inform Website. |