Make sure you choose the right NHS service

Self-care You can treat these things at home: • sore throats • coughs and colds • cuts and grazes • headaches • diarrhoea • bumps and bruises • hangovers • indigestion.

NHS 111 You should call 111 if: • It’s not a 999 emergency but you need medical help fast. • You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service but you’re not sure. • You don’t think you can wait for an appointment with your GP. • You don’t know who to call for medical help. If an ambulance is required, they will dispatch one immediately – as if you had originally dialled 999.

Pharmacy Some of the things pharmacies can help with include: • aches and pains • coughs and colds • stopping smoking • emergency contraception • medicines advice and diarrhoea • allergies and skin conditions • flu jabs and hay fever.

GP Some things GPs can help with are: • persistent ear pain • persistent back ache • flu jabs • persistent vomiting or diarrhoea • long-term conditions • emotional problems • allergic reactions • counselling.

Minor Injuries Units and Walk-in Centres Some of the things minor injuries units and walk-in centres can help with are: • cuts, animal bites and stings • sprains and strains • itches and wound infections • minor burns and scalds • emergency contraception • minor ear or eye problems.

A&E or 999 You should only go to A&E or call 999 when it’s a critical or life-threatening emergency. Emergency situations include: • stroke • choking • blacking out • breathing difficulties • open wound blood loss • overdose • loss of consciousness • acute confused state and fits that are not stopping • persistent severe chest pain • anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions.

For details of your nearest Minor Injuries Unit or Walk-in Centre visit: www.nhs.uk/service-search Or call 111

People who go to A&E and could have gone elsewhere cost the NHS in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough £1.3m per year. That could treat around : 360 heart attack patients OR 420 stroke admissions OR buy 230 hip replacements.

Before you decide to go to A&E THINK, could you... Call 111 FREE 24/7 when it’s less urgent than 999? Visit your local pharmacist for expert advice and treatment without an appointment? Call your GP practice? Be treated at a Minor Injuries Unit or Walk-in Centre?

Visit www.nhs.uk for more advice on illnesses and injuries and local services Make sure you Choose Well and help the NHS to manage it’s resources.