Winter is a busy time for the NHS. Everything from flu to falls and sickness to sore throats means our health service is under extreme pressure during the winter months.
By choosing well, it could save both you and NHS services a lot of time and inconvenience.
So if you become ill or suffer an injury, take two minutes to decide which NHS service is most appropriate for your needs. Many minor ailments can be easily treated at home or with advice from your local chemist or NHS 111.
Where to go:
1. Your first aid kit – many minor ailments such as bruises, grazes, sore throats, colds, coughs, minor cuts, hangovers, and indigestion can be effectively treated yourself. Remember to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit. For details of what to keep in stock ask your pharmacist, or visit http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/990.aspx
2. Pharmacies – many people forget that their local pharmacist or chemist can provide treatments and advice for a wide range of complaints. If you have diarrhoea, a minor infection, headache, tummy upset, an insect bite or sting, a cough, a cold or even if you want travel advice, your pharmacist can help.
3. GP Surgeries – if you are feeling generally unwell, have feverish children, a rash, ear pain, an infection, persistent symptoms then your GP is the right choice. If your surgery is closed but you don’t feel you can wait for help or advice, call 111.
4. 111 – This is the free, 24 hour a day, 365 day a year NHS advice line. You should call 111 when you are feeling unwell or have been hurt but it is not a 999 emergency. If you are unsure where to go or what to do, 111 can provide valuable advice on the most appropriate action to take. It is also a valuable service for people who are not registered with a GP or who just need information or reassurance about what to do next.
5. Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) – these centres can often treat many of the complaints people go to A&E for. Deep cuts, eye injuries, broken bones, sprains, minor burns and scalds can all be effectively treated at an MIU. In Berkshire we have MIUs in Reading, Ascot, Newbury, Maidenhead and Slough.
6. Accident and Emergency/Emergency Department (ED) – This is ONLY for genuine emergencies e.g. Life threatening conditions such as severe chest pains, breathing difficulties, choking, and serious bleeding injuries. If you attend the ED with a minor cut or a bad hangover you are taking up valuable time of the Emergency doctors and nurses who are there to treat those who are badly hurt and severely unwell.
Article courtesy of ORCC
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