Please be aware that Accident and Emergency Services and the wider hospital are currently extremely busy at The Countess of Chester hospital.Those with life-threatening and serious medical conditions are being seen as priority. Non-emergency cases may experience lengthy waits.Please check for alternative services that may be available from your local GP, pharmacist, NHS Choices website or through calling NHS 111. More information is available here: www.nhs.uk/staywell
Make the right choices over the winter period - this includes:
- Not making A&E your first port of call - but to consider all doorstep services, i.e. local GP and pharmacy (when open) and calling 111/out of hours surgery if you do fall ill suddenly but you want to check your symptoms with an expert clinician.
- If you are ill over the weekend and need health advice, contact NHS 111 out of hours service by dialling 111. They are open 6.30pm - 8am and are available 24 hours weekends and bank holidays.
- A&E should not be your first port of call if you fall ill. 999 should only be used if your condition is critical or life threatening
- Your pharmacist can provide advice on everyday health problems and the best medicine to treat them. They will refer you to a GP if you need further treatment.
Your local high street pharmacy can help you deal with minor illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, flu, stomach upsets, aches and sprains. To find your local NHS services, go to www.nhs.uk
You can help by:
- Making sure you have the basics at home such as a thermometer and paracetamol
- Stocking up with medications if you have a long term condition or stocking up with basics in case you do fall ill with a cold or the flu
- Electronic Prescription System - remember to pick up repeat prescriptions from your local surgery or pharmacy or in advance for EPS so you can collect from your local pharmacy
- Keep warm – this may help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.
- Eat well – food gives you energy, which helps to keep you warm. So, try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.
Looking out for others over the winter period - this includes:
- Keeping an eye on elderly people living next door, or elderly relatives who will be on their own, i.e. pick up their prescriptions for them, check they have their heating on, or do their shopping so they aren't going out in the icy weather.
- Do your good deed for the day - pop round to an elderly person for a cup of tea and a chat - can check this way that they are staying warm