Choose well this Christmas

Who will you turn to if you get ill over Christmas?

NHS South West are asking people to 'choose well' over the festive period.

Our A&E departments are already over run with people suffering from flu or with broken bones and fractures picked up in the cold weather.

So here's the advice on alternatives:

Think pharmacist for colds, coughs, sore throats, sprains and stomach upsets. Your Pharmacist can advise you on whether you need to visit or call other NHS services.

If you have a flare up of a long standing illness like bronchitis or asthma that isn’t responding to self care, call your GP surgery.

If you need urgent treatment or care Out of Hours when your GP surgery is closed, you can ring 08454 220 220 for advice. Plan ahead and please don’t use the Out of Hours service to request repeat prescriptions.

Remember - only use A&E or call 999 in a real emergency e.g. critical or life threatening illness or accidents.

For further information on which NHS service to use, visit www.nhs.uk call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.