Help Us Help You this winter by taking a look at our animation

NORTH West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has released a short animation to help people decide when to visit a walk-in centre. Due to the added pressures that winter places on the NHS, it’s vital that people choose the right service to meet their treatment needs.

The number of people attending A&E and calling 999 for an ambulance is growing each year. Ambulance services, hospitals, GP surgeries and walk-in centres get especially busy during winter. Choosing the right service best suited to your illness or injury will help relieve the pressure on these services.

North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has a walk-in centre in Litherland. They provide consultation, advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, including:

·         Infections and rashes (if measles is suspected, you are advised to stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice)

·         Minor cuts and bruises

·         Minor burns and strains

·         Emergency contraception and advice for under 25s

·         Insect and animal bites

·         Stomach aches and upsets

·         Stitches and dressing care

·         Coughs and flu-like symptoms

Litherland Walk-in Centre is open 8am-8pm every day.

By choosing the right health service, you will be better placed to look after yourself and others this winter. This further reinforces the Help Us Help You national campaign, aimed at easing the pressure on NHS urgent care and emergency services.

The following tips will help you and your family stay well this winter:

• Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries. A large range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home or simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.
• NHS 111 If you need advice fast and you’re not sure what to do, call 111 for health care advice that is fast, easy and free. You can also get answers to hundreds of health questions, including common childhood illnesses atnhs.uk 24 hours a day!
• Pharmacists (chemists) are a great source of health care service advice and information. They are experts in medicines and will help you decide if you need to see a doctor.
• GPs can help if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away and any long standing condition.  Other examples may include vomiting, ear pain, stomach ache and back ache.
• Walk-in Centres provide consultations, advice and treatment for new minor injuries and illnesses.

Louise Johnston, Head of Service Ambulatory and Urgent Care, said: “With the festive season fast approaching, it’s really important to choose the right health service this winter that can best support you and your family. You can help yourself to stay well by keeping warm, having your flu jab if eligible, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.

“If you do become unwell, its essential you know what to do and which service will ensure you have a speedy recovery. Our walk-in centres are there to provide an important service to the community but they cannot do it alone.”

For further information and to view the animation, visit: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/are-you-winter-ready