What is Choose Well about?
Choose Well is a North West campaign - supported by NHS doctors, nurses and other staff – that aims to ensure that people who need advice and treatment for common complaints, get expert, fast and expert care. Find out how Choose Well works
NHS emergency services, such as A&E and 999 are under increasing pressure with over 177,000 more people going to A&E in the last two years. Choose Well facts and figures
One out of every four people who go to A&E could have either self-treated for minor illnesses and injuries or been treated by other local services.
Choose Well aims to:
- Promote self-care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds and flu, stomach upsets, minor cuts and bruises, backache and minor sports injuries
- Give people up-to-date information about the NHS services available in their local area, if they do need advice from an NHS professional
- Reinforce the message that A&E and 999 services are for life-threatening and serious conditions such as heart-attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents
- Can you help us? - join in the discussion
How Does Choose Well Work?
Choose Well uses a thermometer “scale” to highlight the range of options available to you, starting with, with clear messages about what these services provide, starting with self care as the first option.
Take care of yourself. Your local high-street chemist is qualified to give you expert and confidential advice and treatment, without having to wait for an appointment. To find your nearest chemist simply text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746 to receive three free texts with details of your nearest chemist. More information about self care
Phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk
Phone your dentist or you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or go to www.nhs.uk to find a local dentist
Call your GP. They will also be able to tell you about where to find a GP outside of normal hours and at weekends. To find your nearest GP call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk
You may have a Walk-in Centre, Urgent Care Centre or Minor Injuries Unit, where you can get treatment without waiting for an appointment. Find and choose local services
