Wondering where to go for help if you feel unwell?

People in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are being reminded that they can help the local NHS to save lives by considering carefully where to access services when they become ill or injured.
Hywel Dda Health Board supports the national Choose Well campaign, and will be launching a local version this autumn, to help people better understand health, social care and community services available to them locally.
The campaign uses a colour-coded thermometer to help people link symptoms to the services and support that is right for their need. 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.
Hywel Dda Health Board’s clinical lead for unscheduled care consultant Jeremy Williams (pictured above) said: “The aim of Choose Well is to raise awareness of the full range of services available so that people are well-informed about where and when to access services that will best meet their needs.
“I honestly believe that the public’s support with this will help us to save more lives.”
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.
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 

In emergencies always dial 999.

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