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North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust |
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You are in: Choose Well
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Patient Relations 0800 06 88 000 |
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Patient Choice 01423 876420 |
Choose Well
Clinicians
across the NHS in North Yorkshire and York are asking people to “Choose
Well” this winter, and to use NHS services appropriately.
Each year we continue to see an increase in the number of patients accessing A&E and emergency services with minor ailments and conditions that could have been treated elsewhere - in an NHS walk-in centre, GP practice or community pharmacy for example.
Patients now have a number of options for where they can access treatment or advice should they become unwell. ‘Choosing well’ ensures you are seen and treated as quickly as possible. It also ensures that emergency services are prioritised for people with the greatest need.
If you live in one of the areas listed below, click on the link to see what range of services are available in your local area
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A&E or 999 Accident and Emergency departments provide immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. If you telephone 999 and tell the operator that there is a medical emergency, an appropriate response will be made immediately. When and why? A&E services should be used to treat the most serious medical cases, such as loss of consciousness, heavy blood loss, suspected broken bones, persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, overdose or poisoning.Remember that Accident and Emergency departments are NOT an alternative to visiting a GP or accessing any other service; it will not save you time if you have a minor ailment as staff treat the most serious cases first. |
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NHS Walk-in Centre or Minor Injuries Unit An NHS walk-in centre is located on Monkgate in York city centre and the Castle Health Centre on York Place in Scarborough will also see walk in patients.Minor injuries units are located in Malton, Ripon, Selby and Whitby. When and why? They can treat minor injuries such as cuts, burns and fractures - any medical treatment or advice which does not need a visit to A&E.Most are open from early in the morning until late at night, seven days a week. You do not need an appointment and you will be seen by an experienced nurse. |
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GP (Doctor) You can make an appointment with a doctor for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for significant illness and long-term medical problems. GP practices can also treat patients for minor injuries on a drop-in basis during normal practice opening hours. Minor injuries are things like sprains, strains, wound infections and minor burns. When and why? Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that will not go away. Out of surgery hours, a GP can be contacted by calling your practice’s main number. |
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Pharmacy (Chemist) Pharmacies can be found across North Yorkshire and York. To find your local pharmacy visit www.nhs.uk or text 'pharmacy' to 64746. Your local pharmacist is a trained healthcare professional and can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need. Many now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately. When and why? Visit your local pharmacy when you are suffering from a common health problem which does not require being seen by a nurse or doctor. Choosing well ensures you receive the best possible treatment, leaving emergency services to those who need them most. |
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NHS Direct NHS Direct offers confidential health advice and information by telephone, on the Internet and through digital TV, 24 hours a day Call 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. When and why? Contact NHS Direct if you are ill and have any questions about health. The service can also help you to find health services in your local area. |
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Self-care A lot of illnesses or symptoms can be treated in your home by using a well stocked medicine cabinet. Getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent illness. For more information about staying healthy, visit our Staying Health section. When and why? Many everyday ailments like sore throats and sneezes can be easily treated at home with a well stocked medicine cabinet with off-the-shelf products. |
Other sources of information on NHS treatment options
More information is available on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.
If
you have a mobile phone, visit
www.nhs.uk/mobile.
Choose Well App
If you have an iPhone or an Android phone, you can download the free NHS Yorkshire and the Humber app to find your nearest pharmacy, GP, dentist, sexual health service, NHS walk in centre or hospital. You can find it at the app store.
Winter 2011/12
To find more information about our Winter 2011/12 campaign, such as hand hygiene and seasonal flu vaccinations, click here.
