Photo montage of villages

NHS Bulletin – How to get help this winter

Dear Residents

We have been asked to pass on the following from the NHS:

If you need urgent medical help this winter, whether that be for symptoms you’re worried about, if you or a loved one has fallen or injured themselves, if you child has injured themselves or is unwell, or if you’ve got a dental problem, you can get immediate help by heading over to www.111.nhs.uk.

You will answer a few questions about the health need, and get instant support and advice about how you could self-care, or where you need to go to get further support. If you don’t have access to the internet, or if your little one is aged five or under, call ‘111’ for the same help and advice.

If you are told you need to go to an Emergency Department (A&E) and it is not life-threatening, you may not need an ambulance. Think whether a family member or friend can take you, or help you get there.

If you’re trying to get an appointment at your local GP surgery, remember, it might be better to see another member of the qualified team members within your practice – seeing your GP isn’t necessarily always the best option, and might mean you waiting longer. If your practice does not have any appointments available, ask about Enhanced Access appointments. You may be able to visit another practice within a few miles of your own surgery, much sooner.

In life-threatening emergencies, you should always dial 999 immediately.