Aberystwyth students schooled on local health care options

Students in Aberystwyth are being encouraged to look after themselves and help the NHS while living away from home this Easter term.
Staff leading on the Choose Well campaign for Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) met Aberystwyth University students recently to spread the message to students: “help the NHS by using health care services responsibly”.
Here are some top tips to help you Choose Well when returning to campus after the Easter vacation:
• Register with a local GP practice while at university
• Familiarise yourself with local health care options. A handy guide for Aberystwyth students can be found online at www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
• Download the Choose Well app, which provides a GPS facility to locate the nearest services to you, as well as information leaflets with local contact numbers, from www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
Dan Evans, a previous Aberystwyth University student, said: “I hadn’t realised that community pharmacies could offer advice on minor illnesses and that I could contact NHS Direct for an urgent dental appointment”.
Hywel Dda UHB’s Assistant Director of Primary Care, and lead for Choose Well, Elaine Lorton said: “Making the right choice about which health care service to use helps people get treated faster in the most appropriate way, and also means health service resources are being used where they are needed most.”
In a life-threatening health care emergency you should call 999 and they will take you to the Emergency Department which can best meet your needs. Minor injury services are offered out of emergency departments, and include minor injury care for children.
If you are unwell and need to contact a GP out of hours, contact your usual GP phone number and you will be automatically transferred to the out-of-hours service. If you don’t know where to go or what service you need, you can call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.
If you need any urgent dental care you can contact your dental practice to access advice and care. If you do not have access to a dental practice, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 where an appointment can be arranged for you, if it is required.
For urgent social care out of hours, contact:
Ceredigion – 0845 6015392
And for those in mental distress, please call C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline on 0800 132 737, text ‘help’ to 81066 or visit www.callhelpline.org.uk.
Hywel Dda Health Board's clinical lead for unscheduled care, consultant Jeremy Williams, explained: "Many people attending our Emergency Departments are very sick and are attending appropriately, but some have conditions of a lesser severity, which would be best assessed and treated by other health care providers.
“The best way students can assist the NHS is to ensure they are using health services appropriately. This will mean they are seen by the most appropriate person, in the quickest time possible, avoiding delays for themselves and others, and ultimately helping us to save lives.”

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