The ‘Choose Well’ campaign is a national NHS initiative that aims to give people information so that they know where to go to in the first instance to get fast, expert advice when they need it, and how to help themselves if they have a common illness or ailment.
The campaign also aims to help ease the pressure on A&E and 999 services at the same time by reinforcing the message that these services are for serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, serious accidents and breathing conditions.
Self Care
Self-care is the best choice to treat common illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, all of which can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
Pharmacy
Local pharmacies can also provide confidential expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without the need to wait for a GP appointment.
To find your nearest pharmacy, look in your local phone directory, or click here
You can also text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746 on your mobile phone to receive three free texts with details of your nearest pharmacies.
Minor Injury Clinic
Minor injuries unit staffed by Emergency Nurse Practitioners and Specialist Care Practitioners who can provide assessment and treatment of a wide range of minor injuries in both adults and children. With X-ray facilities available on site. It is suitable for such things as:
Acute limb injuries include fractures, wounds, sprains and strains (excluding potential hip or thigh fractures).
Minor head injuries including wounds to the head and face (excluding children under 1 year and those with an associated neck injury, loss of consciousness or any vomiting).
Wounds caused by trauma.
Foreign bodies in eyes, ear or nose.
Rib injuries.
Insect and animal bites and stings.
Burns and scalds.
Removal of splinters.
Suturing (stitching) wounds (excluding eyes, nose and lips)..
People will also be able to find out further information on a range of symptoms on the NHS Choices website. Here people can find up-to-date and expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints, as well as the facility to be able to locate their nearest NHS services such as GPs, dentists, and pharmacists.
NHS 111 is also available to give confidential health advice and guidance 24 hours a day by telephoning 111.
