Choose Well in 2012

Choose Well encourages people to think carefully about their condition before they contact health services. As many as one in four people who go to A&E units could use alternative facilities like pharmacies or GP surgeries, or don't need any kind of treatment at all, and these unsuitable attendances cost the NHS around £100m every year.

NHS North West has produced a series of comedy shorts highlighting incorrect use of A&E. All the examples are based on real-life cases, and can be viewed on NHS NW's YouTube page.

Self-care

Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

Some self-care essentials (all available from your pharmacy or supermarket):

• Paracetamol
• Re-hydration mixtures
• Indigestion remedies
• A thermometer

Always make sure you have a supply of your regular medication at home and order repeat prescriptions within good time.

NHS Choices & NHS DIrect

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) is a dedicated website where you can find up-to-date and expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints, as well as find your nearest NHS services, such as GPs, dentists, pharmacies and walk-in services.

NHS Direct (0845 46 47) provides a confidential telephone service, 24 hours a day, for advice and guidance on health issues. Calls cost a maximum 5p from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. An interpretation service is available in many languages.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for common illnesses and complaints, including emergency contraception, without the need to visit your GP or go to A&E.

To find your nearest pharmacy, look in your phone directory or go to www.nhs.uk. You can also text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746 to receive three free texts with details of your nearest pharmacies.

Local GP

If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, make an appointment with your GP. They provide a range of services by appointment and offer same day appointments for urgent problems. Home visits can be made if essential. You can contact a GP or nurse when your surgery is closed, for urgent medical problems that cannot wait until the surgery is open again.

To find your nearest GP service, go to NHS Choices www.nhs.uk, check our website at www.manchester.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct 0845 46 47.

Call your GP’s usual telephone number, or 0161 336 3252, to use the GP out-of-hours service where you can speak to or see a GP or nurse.

Walk-in Centre

Walk-in centres offer convenient access to a range of treatment for minor illnesses and injuries including infections, rashes, lacerations, emergency contraception and advice, stomach upsets, cuts, bruises, burns and strains. You will be seen by an experienced nurse and don’t need an appointment.

To find your nearest walk-in service go to www.nhs.uk, check www.manchester.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

A&E and 999

A&E (also called Emergency Department) and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. A&E doctors are specialists in treating life-threatening illness and injuries. Your GP or pharmacist can provide advice, treatment and expertise for other illnesses. Please only call 999 if there is an emergency. If you call 999 an ambulance will be sent to you, even if you don’t need it.

To find your nearest A&E department, go to www.nhs.uk, check www.manchester.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.