26/04/2015 Choose Well 2013/14

26/04/2015 Choose Well When You’re Unwell

3 Choose Well 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

4 Why is this important to the 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

5 Why is this important to you? Convenience: -get the right treatment first time -reduce waiting -information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week Cost: -some basic low cost essentials for your medicine cabinet Access to emergency services when you need them: -less delays -NHS teams have more time

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

26/04/2015 Choose Well When You’re Unwell

8 So which service when?

9 Self Care Best option for common complaints such as: Coughs, colds, sore-throats Upset stomachs General aches and pains Flu Why? Cost and convenience Will get better themselves without medical help Can’t be treated with antibiotics Information and advice NHS Winter Health leaflet

10 Pharmacist Best option for: Diarrhoea Upset Stomach Allergies Headaches Emergency Contraception Common Winter Complaints Why? Local high street expert Convenience No appointment needed Private consultation rooms available Face-to-face advice and information Advice and support for on-going health complaints Healthy Living services

11 GP, Out of Hours Service Best option for: Vomiting Persistent Cough Earache Contraception Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) 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 You can access the OOH service locally via the NHS 111 number, or by attending the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre

12 Walk-in Centre Best option for: Conditions you would normally see your GP for Cuts, sprains and strains Why? Open seven days a week 8am – 8pm No appointment needed Access to GP and Nursing services Can prescribe and refer you to other services if needed Centrally located on the Market Place in Walsall town centre

13 Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Best Option for: Minor illness and injuries Cuts, strain and sprains Sudden onset symptoms which require care out of GP hours Why? Open seven days a week 24 hours a day No appointment needed Access to GP and Nursing services Can prescribe and refer you to other services if needed located on the Manor hospital site, behind A&E

14 NHS 111 Call 111 for all non-urgent health queries Checking symptoms (not just common winter complaints) 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 Improved public access to urgent healthcare services

15 Emergency Department (A&E) or 999 Best option for: Choking Chest Pain Blood Loss Serious Injury 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

26/04/2015 Winter Essentials

17 Some winter essentials for your medicine cabinet 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 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

18 Contacts There are a range of NHS Services on your doorstep.. Remember to leave A&E to those who need it the most NHS111