Your Guide to Choosing

Think carefully before dialling 999 or going straight to the Emergency Department (A&E)

Inappropriate 999 calls: clog up the emergency care system increase demand on hospitals & affect the time it takes to get to very sick people.

Emergency Department (A&E) or 999 Minor Injury Services GP or Out of Hours Services Eye Care or Dentists Pharmacists Sexual Health Services NHS Direct Wales Self Care Which NHS services are available to me?

Self Care Best option for: Coughs, colds, Sore-throats Upset stomachs General aches and pains Why? Cost & convenience Condition improves without medical help

NHS Direct Wales Best option for: Expert advice when unsure Checking symptoms Advice on self-care options Local service finder Why? Free convenient expert advice & information Condition improves without medical help NHS Direct –

Sexual Health Services Best option for: STI Testing & Treatment Free Pregnancy Test Emergency Contraception HIV Advice & Support Why? Free Confidential Advice & Support Diagnosis & Treatment Highly Skilled Specialist Staff

Pharmacists Best option for: Face-to-face advice & information Common winter health complaints Advice and support for on-going health complaints Why? Local high street expert Convenience No appointment needed Private consultation rooms

GP or Out of Hours Best option for: An illness or injury that won’t go away or is getting worse Help with health life-style e.g smoking cessation, weight loss An out-of-hours service at weekends and evenings Why? Experts on a range of health conditions On-going treatment and support for long term conditions

Minor Injury Services Best option for: Something that needs urgent attention but is not a life-threatening emergency For example: Infections Rashes Fractures Lacerations Why? Open 7 days a week No appointment needed Access to services such as X-Rays and stiches Treated much quicker than A&E because A&E gives priority to life- threatening conditions

Emergency Department (A&E) Best option for: ONLY for life-threatening and serious emergencies, such as: Serious accidents Serious burns Breathing problems Heart-attacks Strokes Why? No appointment needed but may wait for up to four hours Access to trauma and major trauma services

Some medicine cabinet essentials Honey and lemon – for sore throats and coughs Paracetamol and ibuprofen – pain-relief and to bring down temperature Thermometer – normal temperature for an adult is 37 degrees Celsius; a fever in an adult is 38 degrees and above and children over five 37.5 degrees Re-hydration mixtures and indigestion remedies – to help with an upset stomach ALWAYS read instructions for any medicine NEVER take more than the recommended dose TALK to your high-street pharmacist if you need advice CALL your GP if symptoms suddenly get worse or condition suddenly deteriorates REMEMBER antibiotics will not cure a cold, flu or upset stomach

Prevention is better than cure Good respiratory and hand hygiene prevents the spread of germs Clean hard surfaces Restrict visits to vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives until you have been symptom free for at least 3 days Have the flu jab if you are a carer or in an at risk group

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