Help the NHS - Talk Before You Walk

The chairman of the Berkshire West Urgent Care Board Dr Andy Ciecierski has made a plea for people to take pressure off the NHS this winter by using the right health services.
Dr Ciecierski said: “Winter is a busy time for the NHS.
“The cold weather, short dark days, ice and snow along with seasonal ailments like flu and norovirus bring extra pressure to the health service.
“However, there is a lot people can do to make life easier for the NHS and for themselves. “By choosing the right services and treatments they can save themselves a lot of time and inconvenience whilst making sure that healthcare staff are treating the people most suitable for their service”.
Dr Ciecierski’s advice is as follows:
Take two minutes to decide on the most appropriate service for your needs. Many people use hospital A&E departments as a first port of call when they should really be looking for help or advice elsewhere. NHS 111 – if it is not a life threatening emergency and you do not know who to call for medical help, your GP surgery is closed or you need health advice and information on local NHS services.
Your own first aid kit (for everything from tummy aches and sore throats through to minor cuts and grazes).
Your pharmacist (for upset stomachs, insect bites and stings, coughs and colds)
Your GP or Reading walk in centre (for feverish children, infections and persistent symptoms see below for details).
West Berkshire minor injuries unit (for minor injuries and ailments such as sprains, minor burns and scalds).
If you are not sure what to do call the NHS 111 service, who will point you in the right direction.