The NHS in Kirklees is reminding people to make the right choice when seeking medical help, to reduce pressure on NHS services.
Health services across the region are currently in very high demand and there are long waits in A and E as they prioritise life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries.
If you have an urgent medical condition, but it’s not an emergency, you should online at 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111.
Call your GP practice if you need to see a GP or other healthcare professional. Consider whether you can book appointments, check your records or manage prescriptions using the NHS App.
Those concerned about your or someone else’s mental health, or mental health crisis, can get help from NHS 111 24 hours a day by choosing the mental health option.
Community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer advice on the best treatment for common health conditions such as colds, rashes and tummy aches. You can find your nearest pharmacy on the NHS Website.
You should call 999 when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. This includes situations such as severe bleeding, head injury or if you think it could be a heart attack or stroke.
Top tips to make the right choice
Here’s what you should do:
- Make sure you have enough prescription medication to last through the holidays. Order repeat prescriptions early using the NHS App or your GP practice website. If you do run out of your prescription medication, you can use the NHS 111 online emergency prescription service.
- If you need to see a GP or other healthcare professional over the holidays call your GP practice or use NHS 111 online to book an out-of-hours appointment. This might not be at your GP practice. Call 111 if you can’t get online or need help for a child aged 5 or under.
- Most winter bugs like colds, flu and COVID-19 will get better by resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids. Use paracetamol or cold and flu tablets to feel better. If you feel worse or have serious symptoms use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.
- Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with supermarket essentials like antiseptic cream, paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration solutions. If you have children, make sure you have things like a thermometer and liquid paracetamol. Search ‘Find an NHS pharmacy’ to find your nearest open pharmacy.
- The holidays can be tough for some people. If you need mental health support visit togetherwe-can.com/mental-health. For urgent help in a mental health crisis call NHS 111, option 2 any time.
- Get the help you need and support busy NHS staff by choosing the right healthcare for your needs. If you need urgent help but it’s not an emergency use NHS 111 online or call 111. If you have a life-threatening emergency call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
- You’ll find consistent, accurate and trustworthy healthcare advice for parents, carers and young people at wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk
- Find self-care tips, seasonal health information and local services information at togetherwe-can.com