LOCAL health chiefs are helping people to make the right decision about where to go for healthcare treatment over the summer months in Wiltshire, with the help of an easy to use healthcare clock – a signposting tool to help people choose the right healthcare service for their illness or injury.
Dr Peter Jenkins, chair of Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is said, “We recognise that knowing which services to access for healthcare advice and treatment can be difficult. With the many services available, it can be confusing to know where you should go for treatment. The healthcare clock is a really useful tool to help you make the right decision about where to go for healthcare advice and treatment this summer.
“The warmer weather and longer days tend to mean we see an increase in sports injuries, food poisoning from barbecues, sun burn and alcohol-related accidents. Keeping a copy of our healthcare care on your fridge or in your bag will help you to make the right decision quickly about which healthcare service to use.”
You can download your copy of our ‘Around the clock healthcare in Wiltshire’ from www.wiltshire.nhs.net
Around the clock healthcare in Wiltshire:
NHS 111 – Free non-emergency number where trained callers will listen to your symptoms and direct you to the best medical care for you and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
NHS Choices – UK’s biggest health website for information and advice
GP out of hours – available from 6.30pm until 8am on weekdays and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Call your GP practice to access the service
Minor Injury Unit – treats minor injuries that are not life-threatening e.g. cuts, bites, stings and simple fractures
Pharmacy – experts in medicine and can give you advice on common ailments and are a potential alternative to a GP visit
GP – if you have a condition that can’t be treated with over the counter medication or advice from a pharmacist, make an appointment to see your GP
A&E – for genuine life-threatening emergencies only and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
