Practice Nurse Isle of Man

26/01/2026

Say it louder!

Antibiotics do not fix colds. And they do not fix flu.

From my desk this week I’m hearing the same line again and again:
“Can I just have antibiotics to shift it?”

Most winter bugs are viral. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

So when we take them “just in case” two things happen:
you risk side effects for no benefit
we make antibiotics less effective for the day you genuinely need them
And please do not keep a course in the cupboard for next time.

Wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong timing, and suddenly a simple infection becomes complicated.

So what should you actually do?
rest properly for 24 to 48 hours
fluids, warmth, simple food
paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable for you
honey and warm drinks for cough
fresh air and gentle movement once the fever settles

When should you get checked?
If any of these are true:
breathing feels hard
chest pain
you can’t keep fluids down
you are getting worse not better
fever is not easing after a few days
you have asthma COPD heart issues or are immunosuppressed

That is not overreacting. That is being sensible.

05/08/2025

A useful little video about some of the changes and pressures on primary care (general practice)

23/01/2025

We want your input!

As part of the Government’s Homelessness Strategy, we are launching a survey to determine public perceptions on homelessness.

The results will form part of the Island’s Homelessness Needs Assessment, which will highlight gaps and opportunities for action in this area.

The survey
➡️ is open to anyone aged 16 and over
➡️ will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete
➡️ closes on 27 January

Find out more and complete the survey here www.gov.im/homelessnesssurvey

28/09/2023

If you feel that you have received exceptional care from your practitioners and you would like to nominate them for a grant, contact the Secretary of the Trust at secretary@hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im.

You can find details of the GP Grants how to go about contacting the Trust on their website- https://www.hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/henry-bloom-noble-healthcare-trust-launches-new-grant-scheme/

Aims to help patients before referral to secondary care

13/09/2023

09/09/2023

31/08/2023

Here’s your chance to speak up about women’s health

https://consult.gov.im/manx-care/womens-health-strategy-consultation/consultation/subpage.2023-08-22.4924037715/

04/08/2023

Anyone age 70-80 is eligible for a one off, free, shingles vaccine. This vaccine has been widely used for decades and helps to protect from shingles and the potential associated debilitating long term pain. You can book your shingles vaccine at your surgery through the nursing team

Are you eligible for the shingles vaccine and wondering if you need it? Or not sure if you are eligible at all? What are the benefits of the shingles vaccine...

24/07/2023

To all our nursing colleagues striking tomorrow- especially our practice nurse family- thank you. . 👩🏻‍⚕️🧑‍⚕️

24/07/2023

2 month figures for missed appointments- that’s a LOT. did you know if you need to cancel your appointment, you can use the patient online app, and many practices provide a ‘cancel’ link on their text reminder.

22/07/2023