Winter pressures - what you can do to help!
This week Royal Stoke University Hospital declared a “critical incident” and has asked the public to use its Accident and Emergency department only in cases of serious or life threatening emergencies.
It is more important that ever to use the right service and to think Pharmacy first!
A pharmacist can assess you and prescribe medicine for lots of common conditions including: Urinary tract infections (sometimes called UTIs or ‘water infections’), Shingles, Impetigo (a skin infection that starts with red sores or blisters), sore throat, painful sinuses (sinusitis), and some ear infections. It’s quick and easy to find a pharmacy online.
Did you know that NHS 111 can book you an urgent GP appointment? Including in the evening and at weekends. You can phone 111, go online at nhs.uk/111, call or use the NHS App.
111 can book you an appointment at Haywood Hospital’s Walk-in Centre in Stoke-on-Trent – open till 9.30pm every day! The walk-in centre can treat injuries like minor burns, wounds, suspected fractures, and conditions like ear infections. They can also book you an A&E slot if you need one!
If your condition is not too serious, they’ll suggest another service that’s more appropriate, or where you can be seen sooner.
The Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory helps you to find out about health, mental health and wellbeing services, and what’s on in your local area. It has lots of details of a wide range of care, services, self-help groups, community and voluntary organisations, and much more.
Winter checklist
- Have my Covid-19 vaccination or booster (if eligible).
- Have my flu vaccination (if eligible).
- Download the NHS App on my phone.
- Sign up for access to online GP services.
- Ordered and collected repeat medicines.
- Make sure there’s enough food and medicines in the house.
- Keep an eye on elderly neighbours and relatives.