Winter is a busy time for the NHS and while it’s important to come forward with any health concerns, you can help ease the pressure by choosing the right service.
Knowing the right place to go when you need help will help you find the treatment you need, faster.
Make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked with the basic essentials, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, cold remedies, indigestion treatment and antihistamine, and by ordering repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don’t run out.
Now is good time to make sure you have had your Covid-19 and flu jabs if you are eligible. Find more information at GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk
Get advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of feeling ill – don’t wait for it to get more serious.
Highly trained pharmacists can help with a number of common health conditions such as sore throats, colds and bites.
When you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency, visit 111.nhs.uk or call the NHS free phone number 111.
If you contact NHS 111, you will be assessed, given advice and, if needed, directed to the most appropriate health service.
Urgent treatment centres and minor injuries units are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend emergency departments for, including sprains, minor burns, and minor illness.
Patients can visit a centre without an appointment if they have an urgent condition that needs to be seen on the same day. The Stop Think Choose website lists a range of treatment options, including a map of pharmacies and details of urgent care services in Kent and Medway. Visit StopThinkChoose.co.uk to find out more.