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Feeling unwell? Remember to choose well |
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Written by Communications Team
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If you’ve been injured or are feeling ill, it’s important to choose well so you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.
Dr John Omany, Medical Director at NHS Surrey, says:
“When we’re ill or injured, we want the best help and we want it fast. Our ‘choose well’ campaign is all about making sure people in Surrey know how to get fast, effective treatment. This doesn’t always mean calling your GP or just going to A&E – there are plenty of other options which can offer help quickly and conveniently.
“NHS services are often at their busiest over the winter, so it’s especially important to choose well now and over the coming months. Choosing well ensures you receive the best possible treatment, leaving emergency services to those who need them most.”
By carefully choosing the NHS service that’s most appropriate to their symptoms, patients quickly receive the best possible treatment. At the same time, choosing well can help reduce the pressure on A&E and GP services, freeing them up to help the people who need them most.
A quick guide to choosing well
Self-care is the first choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A lot of illnesses can be treated in your home with medicine bought at your local pharmacy and plenty of rest.
NHS Direct offers confidential health advice and information by telephone, on the internet and through digital TV, 24 hours a day. They can also help you to find local health services.
- Call 0845 4647
- Visit www.nhs.uk
- Watch Freeview channel 100.
Pharmacists can give you advice on illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them. Visit your local pharmacy if you’re suffering from a common health problem which does not require being seen by a nurse or doctor. Pharmacy bank holiday opening times are regularly published on www.surreyhealth.nhs.uk
GPs can provide many services, including medical advice, examinations, vaccinations and prescriptions. Normally you need to book an appointment in advance. When your surgery is closed you can ring Thamesdoc on 0208 390 9991 to get advice from a clinician.
NHS Walk-in Centre, Urgent Treatment Centre or Minor Injuries Unit - they can all treat minor illnesses and injuries and give you health advice. Most are open from early in the morning until late at night. You do not need an appointment, and you will be seen by an experienced nurse or a GP.
In Surrey, these services are available at:
- Ashford Hospital Walk-in Centre
- East Surrey Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre
- Haslemere Hospital Minor Injuries Unit
- Royal Surrey County Hospital Walk-in Centre
- Walton Hospital Walk-in Centre
- Woking Hospital Walk-in Centre.
A&E or 999
The Emergency Department is located at St Peter’s Hospital and can help people who show signs of being very ill or are badly injured. Emergency services are always very busy and especially over winter. They should only be used in very serious or life-threatening situations.
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