#30days30waysuk – Choose well

Calling 999 for an Ambulance gets me to the top of the Accident and Emergency queue?  False! Patients are seen on a medical need, not who gets to hospital first. 

Around 18 million GP appointments and 2.1 million visits to A&E are for self-treatable conditions. 

Accident & Emergency, NHS 111, walk in centres and GP surgeries are just a few of the health services available to you. If you’re unwell, it’s important to make sure you select the most appropriate service:

• Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet will help you deal with most minor health problems and illnesses at home.  The Royal Pharmaceutical Society have included a list of medicines you should stock up on: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Walk-in%20centre/LocationSearch/663
• The NHS 111 Service will be able to advise you on local services or connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist and GP.
• Pharmacies can give treatment advice about a range of common conditions and minor illnesses.  You don’t need an appointment, just turn up!