Clinics open to dispense holiday help

By KATHERINE HOBY

The last thing anyone wants is to fall ill or hurt themselves over the Christmas break. But it happens.

So where do you go when you break your arm, or get food poisoning at this time?

If your regular GP is away, the White Cross Accident and Medical Clinics are a good bet.

Two of their clinics - Henderson and Ascot, in Greenlane, are open 24 hours, seven days a week right through - even on Christmas Day.

"We really take over from GPs when they close," a White Cross spokesperson said.

Two other clinics are open on Christmas Day - Otahuhu and Glenfield.

Most of the other clinics are open from 8am until 10pm throughout the Christmas break, although some have shortened hours for the statutory holidays.

No appointment is necessary at White Cross, and prices vary - each clinic sets its own charges.

Dr Robin Whyman, the executive director of the New Zealand Dental Association, says anyone having problem with teeth should call their regular dentist first.

"That is, of course, if you have a regular dentist," he says.

Most dental practices will either be open, or have a message referring patients to another practice. For people in Auckland, the other option is the White Cross A & E Dental Group.

Dr Whyman says anyone with dull pain, or swelling from oral problems should seek professional dental advice.

The Auckland District Health Board's general manager of communications, Brenda Saunders, says mental health services over the holiday break are almost the same as at any other time.

The four local mental health centres have 24-hour crisis teams:

Manaaki House, in Panmure (eastern area), Cornwall House, in Greenlane (southern districts), St Lukes Centre, in Morningside (west central Auckland) and Taylor Centre, in Ponsonby, (north central area).

For those who do not know which centre to attend, the emergency number for the Auckland District Health Board is 0800-800-717.

Ms Saunders said she would encourage people to try the clinics or 0800 number before going to the hospital emergency department.

Other district health boards report that their mental health services will be available on similar times and days. Check the blue pages in your telephone book under your local area district health board.

Do-it-yourself remedies

Home remedies can bring relief for less serious dental problems.

Toothache

Rinse mouth with warm water and clean out debris. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped within the cavity (especially between the teeth). If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of the cheek (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel is ideal). Take pain relief, such as Panadol, if necessary. Go to a dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-out tooth

Wash the tooth, holding it by the crown (not the root), then put it back in the socket, or in milk, water or a damp towel. Go to a dentist within 30 minutes.

Braces or retainers

If a wire is causing irritation, cover the end of the wire with a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze. If a wire is embedded in the cheek, tongue or gum, do not try to remove it. If there is a loose or broken tooth, go to your orthodontist or dentist.

Broken tooth

Clean debris from the injured area with warm water. If the injury was caused by a blow, place a cold compress on the face next to the injured tooth. If out of range of a dentist, use an emery board to smooth edges. Sugar-free chewing gum can temporarily fill a hole if a filling comes out.

Bitten tongue or lip

Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with clean cloth. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress.

Objects between teeth

Try to remove the object with dental floss. Guide the floss in carefully so as not to cut the gums.

Herald feature: Health