As the busy winter period approaches, the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is urging the public to choose the right service to meet their health and social care need before attending their local Emergency Department for a non-emergency reason. 

By choosing the right service, it will allow the public to get access to the right services quickly, whether it is checking online, a trip to the pharmacy or an appointment with the GP. It is also helps the staff in our emergency services to concentrate on the people who are the most sick and injured. 

Launching the campaign, Health Minister Simon Hamilton said: “Choose Well is about enabling staff in our emergency services to focus on the people who are the most sick and injured this winter. It’s about making it clear to the public that emergency and 999 services are for life threatening and serious conditions. Many minor healthcare issues, such as common colds, coughs and upset stomachs, can be dealt with at home or by seeking the advice of a pharmacist. 

“Before you dial 999 or go to your local Emergency Department, think about your options. I don't want to discourage those with a genuine medical emergency from calling 999, but simply ask that they 'Choose Well' and consider the range of other more appropriate services available." 

Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services at the Western Trust, said: “Traditionally we experience extra demand on our hospital services during the winter period. We are asking the public to consider the best way to get medical help to assess and quickly treat their illness / ailment. A visit to a hospital’s emergency department should only be reserved for an emergency situation. People visit the emergency department for minor ailments, when access to other more appropriate services becomes difficult or they believe they cannot wait for a GP appointment. I understand people are concerned for their health but to ensure our emergency staff have the capacity to deal with appropriate emergency cases over the winter period we are asking the public to think wisely before they visit us. 

“Depending on the severity of the illness, patients may wish to speak to a local pharmacist or consult their local GP or GP Out of Hours services in the first instance. However, if you or a family member suspect what you are experiencing is of a more serious nature then do not hesitate to attend the hospital’s Emergency Department or call 999 if necessary.” 

Some examples of how to use the health service appropriately are: 
Self-Care: Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as aches and pains, coughs, colds, upset stomachs and sore throats can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest. Remember, whether treated or not, most of these will get better. 

Pharmacists: Your pharmacist may be able to help you with: eye infections, stomach upsets, skin conditions, allergies, aches and pains, healthy eating and living, including giving up smoking. Blood pressure and diabetes monitoring, needle exchange, women’s health and children’s problems, such as nappy rash and teething. 

GP: GPs provide a range of services including medical advice, physical examinations, diagnosis of symptoms, giving vaccinations, prescribing medication and carrying out simple operations and providing more longstanding or chronic conditions. 

GP Out Of Hours: GP out of hours is available if you require urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed. GP out of hours services operate from 6pm each weekday evening until your GP surgery opens the next morning and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. 

Mental Health-  If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP will assess your needs and together with your GP, you will be able to determine the best course of action. Your GP may decide to treat you directly or refer you to Mental Health Services. If you are referred to Mental Health Services, they will determine your level of priority and contact you to make an appointment to discuss your needs. 

If a person’s mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, this can be called a mental health emergency or mental health crisis. In this situation, it’s important to get help quickly. 

Minor injuries/Urgent Care and Treatment Centre - Types of injuries treated can include: injuries to upper and lower limbs broken bones, sprains, bruises and wounds, bites – human, animal and insect, burns and scalds, abscesses and wound infections, minor head injuries, broken noses and nosebleeds. 

Emergency Department / 999 - Emergency Departments provide the highest level of emergency care for patients, especially those with sudden and acute illness or severe trauma such as: a suspected heart attack, a suspected stroke, a serious head injury or if you are involved in a serious accident.