Weve been asked to share this message by Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust, it includes some useful contact numbers: Following our earlier press release the Health community has now escalated to major incident level. Hospitals, community providers, NHS commissioners and the ambulance service are working together to manage unprecedented demand for healthcare services today (Monday 5 January 2015). University Hospitals of North Midlands, Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust, North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups and the ambulance service have put in place measures to ensure that people who need hospital and emergency care can get treatment quickly. People living in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent are reminded that many minor injuries and illnesses could be either self-managed or treated elsewhere and are being encouraged to consider the alternatives which may be more appropriate for their needs: SELF CARE: This is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest. PHARMACY: Your pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment. NHS 111: This service has been introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services in England. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free. YOUR GP: For medical advice or for illnesses you cant shake off. You should be able to get an appointment with your surgery within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. If your doctors are closed call your doctors surgery and you will be transferred to the GP out of Hours Service WALK-IN CENTRES: Walk-in centres can be used to treat minor injuries and ailments. The nearest walk-in centres are: Haywood Walk-In Centre - Open 7am-10pm Monday to Friday & 9am-10pmweekends and bank holidays. Call: 01782 673500. The service has x-ray facilities open during these times. Leek Moorlands Hospital – Open between 8am and 8pm daily. Call: 0300 123 1894 ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY: A&E and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. The Emergency Centre at the City General is located off Hilton Road and the A34, just south of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Attend A&E for anything classed as an emergency including choking, chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe blood loss, broken bones, difficulty breathing, deep wounds or a suspected stroke.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 10:24:49 +0000