Remember to 'Choose Well' on Healthy Wednesday


The latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board - 

This Healthy Wednesday, and before the August Bank Holiday, people are being reminded that A&E does not stand for ‘anything and everything’.
Evidence shows a significant number of people still go to hospital emergency departments or dial 999 when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs.
Hywel Dda Health Board uses the Choose Well campaign, with its colour-coded thermometer, to help people link symptoms to the services and support that is right for their needs.
This ensures people get the right treatment in the right place, busy emergency services can help those who need them most, and essential treatment is given in the shortest possible time.
The board’s clinical lead for unscheduled care, Consultant Jeremy Williams, pictured, said: “Unfortunately, the doctors and nurses in our emergency departments frequently see people who would be more appropriately treated elsewhere, either through a scheduled appointment with their GP or perhaps through the services of a community pharmacist. This can be a particular problem around Bank Holidays.
“Not only does this mean that the patient may face a long wait in a busy department, but it also takes resource away from patients in a real emergency. We are not discouraging people who need emergency care from attending our departments, but it is important to highlight that A&Es are there for a specific purpose and are not the only option for all illnesses and injuries.”
  • In emergencies, people should call 999 
  • For out-of-hours GP services, call your local GP number and you will be transferred to the right service. 
  • The C.A.L.L mental health helpline is available on 0800 132 737, text ‘help’ to 81066, or visit the website at www.callhelpline.org,uk
  • For other healthcare, if you do not know what to do, call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or go to www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk for advice 
  • Social services for Carmarthenshire can be contacted on 01267 224466, or 01558 824283 out-of-hours; Ceredigion on 01545 57400, or 0845 601 5392 out-of-hours; and Pembrokeshire on 01437 764551 or 08708 509508 out-of-hours 
Ahead of the Bank Holiday, make sure you have any prescription medicine that you may need in advance and that your home medicine cabinet is well-stocked. For information of pharmacy opening hours go to http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/page/46867
As part of the campaign, a free bi-lingual Smartphone app which includes details about how and when patients should contact health services in Wales is available. This includes contact information, opening hours, GPS location and digitally mapped directions to the following:
  • Pharmacies 
  • GPs 
  • Optometrists 
  • Dentists 
  • Minor Injury Units 
  • Emergency Departments

For more information or to download the app go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell

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