Choose well

What is Choose Well?

The number of people attending Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments and calling 999 is growing each year. It is estimated that at least one in four people attending A&E could have been treated more quickly and effectively elsewhere.

Choose Well is a national campaign that aims to direct patients to the service best suited to their illness or condition. In many cases this may be self-care, advice from a local pharmacy, or treatment at an NHS walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.

A&E departments are there to deal with the most serious and life-threatening emergencies. Choose Well aims to encourage people not to default to A&E if they have a less serious health issue, but choose from a variety of other services that are available to help them.

Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

It is a good idea to have the following self-care essentials at home:

Paracetamol
Indigestion remedies
Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
A thermometer
Cough mixture.

Choose well - NHS Choices and NHS Direct

NHS Choices is a dedicated website providing up-to-date and expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints, as well as information on your nearest NHS services, such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists, walk-in centres and minor injuries units. Visit www.nhs.uk to find out more.

NHS Direct provides a confidential telephone service, 24 hours a day seven days a week, to give advice and guidance on health issues. Calls cost a maximum of 5p from a BT landline, however may vary from mobiles and other networks. An interpretation service is available in many languages. Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Choose well - your local pharmacy

Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to wait for a GP appointment or go to A&E.

To find your nearest pharmacy, look in your local phone directory, go to www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Choose well - your GP

If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, you should make an appointment with your GP. Your local GP surgery provides a range of services by appointment and when absolutely essential can arrange a home visit.

You will need to be registered with a GP surgery before you can see a GP.

To find your nearest GP surgery, go to NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Choose well - Walk in Centre and Minor Injuries Units

Walk-in centres and minor injuries units offer convenient access to a range of treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, including infections, rashes, fractures, lacerations, emergency contraception and advice, stomach upsets, cuts, bruises, burns and strains. You will be seen by an experienced nurse, without an appointment and you do not need to be registered first.

To find your nearest walk-in centre or minor injuries unit, go to NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Local opening times may vary.

Choose well - A&E and 999

A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. Dialling 999 and stating an emergency situation will result in a response vehicle being sent to you.

To find your nearest A&E department, go to NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.