Choose well for expert help and advice this winter

Residents across the borough of Rochdale are being encouraged to choose the most appropriate NHS service for fast and effective advice and treatment if they fall ill this winter.

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale has launched their Choose Well campaign, as part of national Self Care Week this week, to encourage residents to be more proactive in looking after themselves.

Every year, the Accident and Emergency Department at the Rochdale Infirmary sees more than 70,000 patients, many of whom have common winter illnesses. Many of these patients could have avoided attending A&E by getting expert advice and faster treatment from other local NHS services like NHS Direct, a local pharmacist or walk in centre. Many could even take care of themselves with basic self-care, first aid and advice.

We want people to understand that A&E departments are for those who are seriously ill or for emergencies. Every time someone goes to Rochdale Infirmary A&E it costs the NHS at least £84, on average. This is public money that could be spent on other areas for you.

Melissa Laskey, Associate Director for Acute Care at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “We’re asking everybody to really think about whether they need to go to A&E if they are ill. There are a range of other local NHS services that people can use to get fast and effective advice and treatment without an appointment that are free of charge. You can even get help online at www.nhs.uk for tips and advice to help you look after yourself at home.

“We know we’re going to have a busy winter on our hands this year, and with the added pressure of swine flu, we really want the residents to think and act responsibly about the local health services they choose to use.”

Mr Don MacKechnie, Consultant at Rochdale Infirmary A&E, said: “More and more patients with common winter illnesses, likes coughs, colds or flu, are walking through the doors at A&E, or even calling an emergency ambulance, and they really shouldn’t be.

“Those who develop these symptoms should rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and get advice from the local pharmacist or NHS Direct. They should certainly not be coming into A&E.

Choosing Well will mean you will get the fastest advice and treatment possible this winter and will allow busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.

“Choose Well” this winter with NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale and Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust:

• Self-care – for treatment of minor winter illnesses, by combining a well stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.
• NHS Direct (0845 4647) – for absolutely any health questions, around the clock, and to find local services.
• Pharmacist – for advice on common winter illnesses, and the best medicines to treat them.
• GP – for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just can’t shake off.
• NHS Walk-in Centre – for treatment of minor illnesses or injuries, without an appointment.
• A&E or 999 – for critical or life-threatening situations.