16 December 2011
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust wants to make sure people are prepared for any minor accidents this winter to make sure they get the most appropriate treatment.
It is a good idea to make sure telephone numbers for your GP surgery, local out of hours service Shropdoc (08444 068888) and NHS Direct (0845 46 47) are saved into your home and mobile phone so you can quickly and easily call for advice if you’ve had a minor accident.
There is 24/7 GP advice available in the county to patients who need urgent medical advice. A&E and 999 should only be used for life threatening or serious illnesses and injuries. If a condition is not serious enough for A&E or 999, then people can call their GP practice for urgent advice.
Minor accidents which do not need emergency treatment include cuts, sprains and rashes. Those suffering these should visit a Minor Injuries Unit or Walk in Centre. An appointment isn’t needed and these facilities also offer advice about non-urgent conditions
In many instances pharmacies are a good choice. They can help give advice and over the counter remedies for diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches, coughs and colds.
Anyone who is unsure on the best course of action can always ring NHS Direct on for advice and reassurance they’re doing the right thing.
Choking, chest pain, blacking out, blood loss and fractures are all considered emergencies and those with these symptoms should not hesitate in visiting their local A&E department.
Hospitals can get especially busy during winter, when viruses such as flu and norovirus are circulating, and slips and trips are common. Choosing the right NHS service will not only help ease the pressure on A&E staff, but may also result in quicker treatment.
Dr Ashley Fraser, Trust Medical Director at, said: “A&E departments are for life-threatening and emergency conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents. We need to make sure that A&E services are free to help the people who really need them.
“Up to one out of every four people who go to A&E could have either self-treated or used an alternative local service, avoiding what can be a stressful visit to hospital.
“We’re asking people to think carefully about whether A&E is really the best place for their condition.”
The number of people attending A&E departments is growing each year. This is adding extra pressure to the NHS and its staff, who are dedicated to treating patients.
Additional Information
Walk-In Centres offer health advice and treatment, particularly if you are not registered with a GP (or are not registered locally).
- Shrewsbury Walk-In Health Centre, Whitehall, Monkmoor Road - Every Day 8am-8pm
- Malling Health Wrekin, Apley Castle, Telford - Every Day 8am-8pm
- Malling Health Telford, 39-41 Sherwood Row, Telford, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm
Minor Injuries Units offer treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, like cuts, sprains, infected wounds or everyday eye infections. There are minor injuries units in the community hospitals in Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Whitchurch and also at Gobowen. In Wales, there are Minor Injuries Units at Welshpool Hospital and (during practice hours) at Newtown Medical Practice and Arwystli Medical Practice.
If you need out of hours medical attention you can call Shropdoc on 08444 068888
You can find a symptom checker and information about local NHS services at www.nhs.uk NHS Direct and NHS Direct Wales are available 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47 or at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
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