NHS call on people to contact 111 and think pharmacy first over Christmas as A&E gets busier

The following messages are sent on behalf of the NHS.

NHS – call 111

The local NHS in Humber and North Yorkshire is urging people to use NHS 111 to get the medical help they need this winter.

Traditionally the busiest time of the year for the NHS, the increase in demand across health services can put a strain on the local system.

It is estimated that up to two-fifths of hospital A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere.

Using NHS 111 to get the “right care, first time” can help to reduce pressure in A&Es, meaning doctors and nurses can focus on treating those people who are more severely unwell.

Highly trained advisors at NHS 111 will assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including hospital urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed, staff can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.

Crisis mental health support, access to emergency prescriptions and signposting to emergency dental help are also available via NHS 111.

Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB’s Executive Director of Clinical and Professional, said: “While people should always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk, NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help in other situations.

“Pressure has risen across all parts of the NHS with the health service going into winter busier than ever before, after a record few months of A&E and ambulance demand.”

The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can go online, use the NHS App, or call to get:

• directed to the right health care service in your area
• a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic
• advice on self-care

People who need help in another language can call 111 and ask for an interpreter, British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact 111 using the NHS 111 BSL interpreter service by visiting 111.nhs.uk, and text relay users can call 18001 111.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/111. To help you Choose Well, visit www.letsgetbetter.co.uk/get-the-right-care/

Manage your Winter health

The NHS are also encouraging people to look after themselves by having a well-stocked medicine cabinet throughout the Winter season, with a list of recommended essential medicines for the colder seasons:

• Pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen for headaches, muscle pain and fevers.
• Cold and flu remedies: decongestants, throat lozenges or sprays, cough syrup and vapour rub.
• First aid supplies: Plasters and bandages, antiseptic cream or spray, eyewash, thermometer, and tweezers.
• Digestive aids: indigestion remedies (e.g. antacids), antidiarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts.
• Prescription medications: Ensure you have enough of your regular medications, and they are effective and in date.

‘Think Pharmacy First’

People are also being asked to ‘Think Pharmacy First’ this Winter.

Patients can now get treatment for these seven common conditions from their local pharmacy rather than needing a GP appointment or prescription:

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

It’s hoped that by choosing pharmacies first, around 10 million GP appointments will be freed up in the coming years.

To get help finding your nearest pharmacy, visit  www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.