More help for patients

HEALTH experts have launched a campaign to help people to get the best treatment during the winter months.

NHS Rotherham's Choose Well initiative is aimed at helping patients to select the right treatment and the best place to go with their illnesses and injuries.

It is hoped that by giving out information, pressure on health services will also be reduced.

Jackie Brown, programme manager for Urgent Care, said: "Winter is a really busy time for  health services across the country and Rotherham is no exception. 

"Accident and emergency departments and doctors surgeries will get much busier especially if we have lots of flu in the area.

"People often turn up at hospitals with a wide range of illnesses and injuries but often the less serious ailments could have been better treated more quickly elsewhere with options including GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres or NHS Direct.

"A and E departments or calling 999 should be reserved for people who are badly injured or showing symptoms of a critical illness such as chest pain, although it goes without saying, if you are worried we are always here to help.

"In some cases staying at home and looking after yourself is the best care leaving emergency services for those who need them most."

The campaign will be promoted on buses, television adverts and in cinemas and has been co-ordinated to run across the whole country.

Brightly-coloured Choose Well leaflets, posters and banners will be available in doctors' surgeries, pharmacies, opticians and dentists across the borough.

Mrs Brown added: "We are really lucky in Rotherham to have an excellent range of services to meet everyone's health needs.

"The new walk-in centre based at Rotherham Community Health Centre is a major plus open from 8am until 9pm every day of the year except for Christmas Day."