17 January 2020
People are being urged to use the right NHS service for their needs, as local health services have been put under increased pressure due to high demand across the county.
Leaders from the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) are asking people to do what they can to prevent themselves becoming unwell and make sensible decisions when it comes to choosing the right NHS service if they need help.
They recommend the following for situations which are not an emergency or life threatening.
Self care – best for minor illnesses such as colds, coughs, sore throat, small cuts or grazes, by resting at home and using over-the-counter medicines.
Pharmacists – best for advice and treating illnesses like diarrhoea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes.
Use NHS 111 – calling NHS 111 or using 111.nhs.uk is best if you are feeling unwell, or if you need health advice and guidance in a non-life-threatening emergency.
GP services – for symptoms that don’t go away, such as ear pain, back pain or stomach pain.
Minor Injury Units and Walk-in Centre – when it’s urgent but not life threatening, such as sprains, fractures, minor burns or skin infection.
A&E or 999 – only in an emergency, such as loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding.
Choosing the right NHS service will help you get the best advice quicker and will help reduce pressure on both A&E and GP services, freeing them up to help those who need them most.
