HEALTH chiefs in Warrington are urging people to consider their options this winter to help keep pressure off A&E and ambulance services.
NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging people to choose the right health service to suit their needs to allow A&E and amulance services to deal with real emergencies.
The Examine Your Options campaign aims to give local people the information they need so that they know where to go or who to call to get the right expert advice expert when they need it and how to help themselves if they have a common illness or ailment.
Dr Jaish Puri, NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Lead for Urgent Care and GP at Folly Lane Medical Centre said: “NHS organisations and local councils work together to prepare for winter, but it’s also important that you understand the range of treatment options available to you and your family.
“We are encouraging local people to examine their options and choose the best place to go in order to get the most suitable treatment, should they encounter a cold or flu, bruise, sprain, minor wound or fracture.
“For example, Pharmacists are the best first option if you or someone you care for feels unwell this winter. They can provide expert advice and treatment for many common complaints such as stomach upsets or coughs.
“We are hoping that by promoting the different sources of useful information, we can encourage more people to self-treat for minor conditions and keep A&E free to treat serious, life threatening illness or injury in an emergency.”
Examine Your Options this winter and follow these tips to look after yourself and your family:
1.Self care
There are a range of minor illnesses and injuries that you can treat at home. Stock up your medicine cabinet with over-the-counter remedies to treat minor injuries and illnesses.
2.NHS 111
If you need advice fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency or you think you may need to go to A&E or another urgent care service and you’re not sure what to do, call 111 for GP out of hours and health care advice that is fast, easy and free.
3.GP
Your GP is your first point of contact for non-emergency illnesses which you can’t treat yourself and some practices can offer same day appointments if necessary. When the surgery is closed, you can still see a local GP with the GP out of hours service, this includes at night, weekends and bank holidays. Just call 111 and you will be connected to an adviser. Early advice may help manage your illness and stop symptoms getting worse.
4. www.nhs.uk
Get answers to hundreds of health questions, including common childhood illnesses at www.nhs.uk 24 hours a day!
For more information visit: www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk/local-services/examine-your-options.htm or follow on twitter: @WarringtonCCG and like on Facebook: facebook.com/WarringtonClinicalCommissioningGroup
