NHS launches Choose Well this Winter campaign ahead of winter illness spikes

The NHS in Derby and Derbyshire has launched its Choose Well this Winter campaign this week. The campaign aims to help people stay well and know where to turn for advice if they become unwell this winter.

Winter can bring an increase in coughs, colds and other seasonal illnesses, and it isn’t always easy to know which NHS service is right for you or your family.

Choose Well this Winter is a simple guide to the different options available, helping people understand what they can do to stay well and where to go when they need help. Knowing your options before you need them can make it easier to find the most appropriate advice.

The campaign brings together advice on self-care, pharmacies, GP services, NHS 111, urgent care, dental services, mental health support and the NHS App.

Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the DLN Cluster said “We all know that coughs, colds and other illnesses are more common during the winter months.

“A lot of the time, you can look after yourself or someone you care for at home with the right advice, but sometimes you need a bit more help.

“When that happens, it isn’t always easy to know what to do or where to go. Choose Well this Winter is about making those choices clearer, so people know what help is available and how to access it.

“And if you’re ever unsure about what to do, you don’t have to work it out on your own. NHS 111 can help you understand your options and find the right care.”

The campaign covers:

·         Self-care: Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with essentials and use trusted NHS information to manage minor illnesses safely at home.

·         Community pharmacy and Pharmacy First: Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for many common illnesses and health concerns. Pharmacy First can provide treatment for a range of common conditions without needing a GP appointment.

·         GP services: Your GP practice can help with symptoms or health concerns that aren’t going away or where you need ongoing medical care.

·         NHS 111: If you’re not sure what medical help you need and it isn’t a life-threatening emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111. They can help you find the right care.

·         NHS App: Use the NHS App to manage your healthcare, order repeat prescriptions and access NHS services and health advice.

·         Urgent treatment centres: For urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, an urgent treatment centre may be able to help.

·         Dental treatment: If you need dental care, contact your usual dentist or use NHS 111 for help finding urgent dental treatment.

·         Mental health support: If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

·         A&E and 999: Call 999 or go to A&E for serious or life-threatening emergencies.

Visit the Choose Well this Winter page for more information and advice.