Get the Right Treatment and help the NHS take the strain
14.10.2009
The NHS in Gloucestershire is gearing up with an information campaign to encourage people to access the most appropriate services to meet their needs.
NHS Gloucestershire will shortly be launching ‘Get the Right Treatment’ to help people to make the right choices and to remind them to only visit Hospital A&E in an emergency.
Chief Executive of NHS Gloucestershire, Jan Stubbings explained:
“The Hospital Emergency Department has a key role to play in treating people who need emergency treatment, but it is vital that hospital staff are able to focus on treating patients in most need of this specialist care.”
“We are encouraging people to think about the full range of healthcare options which for non emergency care can be more convenient and appropriate to meet their needs.”
“We also need the support of local people in helping the NHS to take the strain this Winter and making the right choices at the right time can make a real difference.”
NHS Gloucestershire is asking people to think pharmacist for a number of ailments.
Pharmacists are experts on medicines and how they work. They are qualified to give advice on coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains, sprains and stomach upsets.
You don’t need to make an appointment and the pharmacist can advice you on whether you need to visit or call other NHS services.
If you think you, or a family member, has swine flu, call 0800 1 513 100 or go to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu to get a diagnosis.
NHS Gloucestershire is also asking people to think Gloucester Health Access Centre - Open 8am to 8pm - 7 days a week.
Run by local GPs and nurses, the centre offers a walk in service for minor ailments and injuries such as minor cuts, bites and stings and allergies.
They can also provide Sexual Health Services, for example contraception advice and Chlamydia screening.
The Gloucester Health Access Centre is based at St Michael’s Branch Surgery, St Michael’s Square, off Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HX.
If you have a flare up of a long standing illness such as kidney or lung disease, bronchitis, asthma or diabetes that is not responding to self care or advice from your pharmacist, think GP Surgery.
GPs are experts in family medicine. If you are worried about the health of your child they are the best people to call.
