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Your PCT / News / Choose well this winter

Choose well this winter

14 November 2011

People are being reminded to stock up their cupboards with over-the-counter medicines to be prepared for any illnesses or minor injuries in the coming months.

Traditionally, autumn and winter months see an increase in coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms, which can all be eased with remedies available from local pharmacies. People are also being advised to stock up on useful items such as thermometers and plasters.

By choosing and using the right services when feeling unwell, patients can expect to be seen or treated more quickly, while keeping emergency services free for those patients who need them most.

The latest figures for the north west show that more than 3.5 million people visited accident and emergency (A&E) departments in the north west last year. The cost of providing A&E services went up last year by 19% to £3.78 million.

Figures show that 77% of emergency calls to ambulance services result in a journey to A&E, but only 10% have a life-threatening emergency; and of this number only 40% are admitted to hospital and at least 50% could have been treated in a community setting.

On top of this, each year there are around 57 million GP consultations, of which 51.4 million are for minor ailments alone, some of which could have been self-treated by having a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

There’s a range of NHS services on people’s doorstep:

  • Self care – Treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries at home.
  • NHS Choices – For online advice and information, visit www.nhs.uk
  • NHS Direct – For 24/7 advice and information, call 0845 46 47.
  • Pharmacies – Your local pharmacist should be your first port of call. They can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common health problems.
  • GP – Your GP practice can help with infections or persistent symptoms. 
  • Lever Chambers Walk-in Centre –  A nurse-led service, with no appointment needed, for cuts, sprains, rashes and minor fractures.
  • A&E or 999 – A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.