Your guide to Choose well this

Choose well this winter A national NHS information and education campaign Advice and guidance on common winter complaints The most convenient and effective care for you and your family Help the NHS

Why is this important to NHS? Impact of cold weather on vulnerable people Free up time of nurses and doctors Reduce pressure on already busy A&E, emergency and 999 teams Reduce pressure on GP and other teams who support vulnerable people

Why is this important to you? Convenience: -right treatment first time -reduce waiting time -Information and advice accessible 24/7 Cost: -some low cost essentials for your medicine cabinet Access to emergency services when you need them: -less delays -NHS teams have more time

Most common winter complaints Coughs and colds Sore throats Flu Norovirus General aches and pains

Which service to access when Self Care On-line and NHS Direct High Street Pharmacy Your GP Practice Urgent Care Centre, Minor Injuries Unit A&E, Emergency Department, 999

Which service to access when Self Care Best option for: Coughs, colds, sore-throats Upset stomachs General aches and pains Flu Why? Cost and convenience Condition improves without medical help Cannot be treated with anti-biotics Further information and advice NHS Choices

Which service to access when Best option for: Checking symptoms Advice on self-care options Local service finder How long symptoms will last Interactive First Aid guide Why? Access 24 hours a day, seven days a week Expert advice and information Further information and advice NHS Direct NHS Choices NHS Choices and NHS Direct

Which service to access when Best option for: Face-to-face advice and information Common winter health complaints Advice and support for on-going health complaints Healthy Living services Why? Local high street expert Convenience No appointment needed Private consultation rooms available – service finderwww.nhs.uk High Street Pharmacy

Which service to access when Did you Know? Text ‘pharmacy’ to to receive three free texts detailing your nearest pharmacies High Street Pharmacy

Which service to access when Best option for: An illness or injury that won’t go away or is getting worse Concerns about mental health and sexual health Help with health life-style e.g. smoking cessation, weight-loss An out-of-hours service at weekends and evenings Why? Experts on a range of health conditions Access to other local NHS services an prescriptions if needed On-going treatment and support for long term conditions Your GP Practice

Which service to access when Not registered with a GP? Go to NHS Choices to use the service finder to locate your nearest GP practice or text ‘Doctor’ to Your GP Practice

Which service to access when Best option for: Something that needs urgent attention but is not a life- threatening emergency eg: infections, rashes, fractures and lacerations, emergency contraception and advice, stomach upsets, cuts, bruises, burns and strains Why? Open seven days a week, although opening hours vary No appointment needed Access to services such as X-Rays and stitches Can prescribe and refer you to other services if needed Urgent Care Centre, Minor Injuries Unit

Which service to access when Urgent Care Centre The Urgent Care Centre offers an alternative to A&E, and treats patients who have an injury or condition which is severe but not life-threatening, such as: Wound Stitching Sprains Minor burns We have an Urgent Care Centre at: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe Cheshire CW1 4QJ It can be accessed via the entrance for A&E. You do not need an appointment.

Which service to access when Victoria Infirmary, Northwich (VIN) Winnington Hill Northwich Cheshire CW8 1AW Tel: Minor Injury Units provide treatment for less serious injuries, such as cuts and grazes, minor burns, sprains and emergency contraception. Treated much quicker at a Minor Injury Unit than in A&E because A&E give priority to life- threatening conditions. No appointment needed. Minor Injuries Unit

Which service to access when Best option for: Life-threatening and serious emergencies, such as: serious accidents serious burns breathing problems heart-attacks strokes Why? No appointment needed but may wait for up to four hours Access to trauma and major trauma services Can prescribe and refer you to other services if needed A&E, Emergency Department, 999

Some medicine cabinet essentials for this winter Honey and lemon – for sore throats and coughs Paracetamol and ibuprofen – pain-relief and to bring down temperature Thermometer – normal temperature for an adult is 37 degrees Celsius; a fever in an adult is 38 degrees and above and children over five 37.5 degrees Re-hydration mixtures and indigestion remedies – to help with an upset stomach Important ALWAYS read instructions for any medicine NEVER take more than the recommended dose TALK to your high-street pharmacist if you need advice CALL your GP if symptoms suddenly get worse or condition suddenly deteriorates Remember antibiotics will not cure a cold, flu or upset stomach

Prevention is better than cure! Good respiratory and hand hygiene prevents the spread of germs Clean hard surfaces Restrict visits to vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives until you have been symptom free for at least three days Have the flu jab if you are a carer or in an at risk groups