Choosing Well

Self Care:

• The best choice for minor illnesses
• Try the online symptom checker
  • www.nhs.uk/symptomchecker
• Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet, guidance can be found at:
  • www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/Yourmedicinecabinet.aspx
• www.patient.co.uk is an online resource loaded with tips and advice on the different self care options and how to go about treating your minor ailments, click on the link below:
  • www.patient.co.uk
• www.selfcareforum.org contains downloadable leaflets and information on a huge range of minor ailments, click on the link below:
  • www.selfcareforum.org

NHS 111:

• For urgent medical needs that ARE NOT life threatening
• They offer advice on treatments for various injuries, allergies, general health, bleeding, dental issues, head and neck injuries and sexual health
• They can refer you to the nearest health service

Pharmacists:

• Talk in confidence, without appointments
• Offer advice on minor ailments such as coughs and colds, earache, skin rashes and sore throats
• They can provide services such as Chlamydia testing, emergency contraception and stop smoking services

GP:

• when illnesses aren’t responding to self care or advice from your pharmacists call your GP surgery
• Visit when you are suffering from a persistent illness
• When you have a ‘flare-up’ of a long standing illness
• When you are in need of any vaccinations

Minor Injury Unit / Walk-In:

• No appointments needed
• Can treat a variety of injuries such as sprains, strains, minor cuts and fractures
• Minor injury units cannot treat problems such as chest pains, breathing difficulties, pregnancy problems and allergic reactions

A&E/999:

• For emergencies that are critical or life threatening such as loss of consciousness/persistent severe chest pain/acute confused state and fits that are not stopping or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Visit A&E or call the 999 ambulance service