Choose well

There are lots of different options to choose from when you or your family are feeling unwell and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to make the right choice for treatment to help cut down on needless trips to A&E.

The following list will help you make the right choice and make sure you get the help and care you need.

1. Can you treat yourself at home? For treatment of minor winter illnesses, keep a well stocked medicine cabinet, stay at home and have plenty of rest. 
   
   It's always useful to keep some medicines stored safely away from children  in your home so ask your pharmacist what to keep to help you and your family deal with minor illnesses at home. A small amount of paracetamol or ibuprofen and other remedies will help you treat common ailments such as coughs, colds, indigestion and sore throats. If symptoms worsen, you can visit your pharmacist who can give you advice on whether you should visit your GP.
   
2. Pharmacists: For advice on common winter illnesses, and the best medicines to treat them
   
   Pharmacists are experts on medicines and how they work. They are professionally qualified to give you advice on all sorts of ailments. This includes coughs and colds, stuffy noses, rashes, stomach upsets, other flu- like symptoms, aches and pains - and you don't need an appointment. As most of these ailments do not require prescription medicine, a visit to a pharmacist can be all you need. Your pharmacist will also be able to tell you if you do need to go to a doctor or a nurse. 
   
   Many winter ailments are viruses and so can be treated by over the counter medicines, rather than those on prescription. Advice on these ailments, as well as allergies, can all be given by pharmacists.
   
   Some pharmacists run health programmes such as support to stop smoking and keeping a healthy weight.  In addition, many pharmacies have a consultation room, which means that you can discuss your health concerns in private - just ask to speak to the pharmacist.
   
3. GPs:  For medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just can't shake off
   
   The local surgery is often the first place that people visit if they feel unwell and do not realise that other healthcare options, such as visiting the local pharmacist, are available. 
   
   However they are the best place to visit if you are concerned for the health of your child, if you have a flare up of a long-standing disease or have unusual or persistent symptoms, which do not respond to self-care or advice from your pharmacist. In addition, you should visit your GP if you are worried about your mental health.
   
4. GP walk-in centre at ASDA: Visit a GP or nurse seven days a week without needing to register or make an appointment
   
   The GP walk in centre at ASDA can be used by everyone and means patients can visit a doctor or nurse between 8am and 8pm, seven days per week, without needing an appointment.
   
   Patients can use the service whilst remaining registered with their own GP. The phone number for will be the same as the current number to call a GP out of hours - 0330 1239309. Visit http://www.herefordshiregpaccesscentre.nhs.uk/ for more information.
   
5. Accident and Emergency or 999: For critical or life-threatening situations
   
   A&E is specifically available to people in an emergency situation. That means a critical or life-threatening situation, which may include loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulties, deep wounds such as stab wounds, severe chest pain, suspected stroke or heavy loss of blood.
   
   If you need emergency care going to A&E or calling an ambulance is the right course of action.   If the situation is less critical and you are unsure about what you should do, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or our out-of-hours number 0330 123 9309 or visit the walk-in centre at ASDA between 8am and 8pm.
   
6. NHS Direct: For absolutely any health questions and to find local services - available 24 hours per day
   
   NHS Direct is a confidential advice and information service, which is staffed by specially trained professional advisors and nurses.  They will advise you on the right course of action to take, should you or a member of your family fall ill.
   
   It also provides information on particular health conditions, support or professional organisations and will also tell you what services your local community hospitals offer, your nearest GP or out-of-hours pharmacy.
   
   The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and on public holidays.  You can contact them on 0845 46 47. There is also an up-to-date website with information and advice http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
   
7. Out-of-hours number: 0330 123 9309
   
   If you need a doctor or dentist between 6pm and 8am Monday to Friday, during weekends or on public and bank holidays dial 0330 123 9309.  This is an NHS Herefordshire service provided by Primecare. It is charged at local call rates and is available to all Herefordshire residents and visitors to the county.
   
   You can also use this number if you have any emergency social care issues. However, if your home carer is late or does not arrive, please call the normal agency number.

Are you ready for winter?