It could be the toughest winter yet, so the people of Swindon and Shrivenham are urged to get the best out of their local NHS services, in order to Stay Well This Winter.
Healthwatch Swindon, NHS Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, are working together to help people get the best out of their local NHS services, in order to Stay Well This Winter.
As part of the #StayWellSwindon campaign, Healthwatch Swindon, NHS Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are calling on the people of Swindon and Shrivenham, to be aware of all the options available of where to get health care advice and treatment without an appointment and if it is not a medical emergency.
Many people who visit A&E could use an alternative local service instead. With increased pressure on A&E over the winter months it is worth knowing what the other options are to avoid long stressful and at times unnecessary waits.
If people need healthcare in Swindon where could they go? What are their options? The one that’s best may not always be the most obvious!
People are being encouraged to seek help as soon as they start to feel unwell, to prevent conditions from becoming more serious. A local pharmacist or NHS 111 can help decide whether someone needs to see a health professional. Pharmacists are fully qualified to offer advice on common problems such as colds, aches and pains and can also help people to decide whether they need to see a doctor.
For details of local pharmacy opening times go to: http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Pharmacy/LocationSearch/10
Can’t wait to see a GP? Then people can contact one of the local services which don’t require an appointment, such as seeing a Pharmacist.
People are encouraged to keep details of all their options including local walk-in and urgent care centres somewhere handy. Remember that in Swindon people can either walk in to Swindon NHS Health Centre on Islington Street, or visit the Urgent Care Centre at Great Western Hospital. Alternatively there are Minor Injury Units in Chippenham and Cirencester.
Emergencies – If someone is seriously ill or injured or their life may be at risk, call 999 or visit A&E at Great Western Hospital.
For details of all the options, locations and opening times please go to http://www.gwh.nhs.uk/7524
Look out for and follow #StayWellSwindon this winter across Swindon and on social media.