Use the Right Service
News
A new campaign has been launched to help people access NHS services across Southampton.
Use the Right Service is encouraging people to visit health services, such as local pharmacies, to help with minor health concerns such as sprains, coughs and colds, without visiting A&E. Other health services, such as the Royal South Hants urgent treatment centre which can help with health concerns such as suspected bone breaks and fractures, are also available as alternatives to A&E.
Patients are often seen by a clinician significantly quicker at these alternatives than A&E, and using the right health service helps take pressure off the emergency department at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).
Dr Daniel Baylis, clinical director for emergency medicine at UHS, said: “We have experienced an extremely busy year in the emergency department – including over summer – and that will only increase as we approach what will be a very challenging winter.
“As a result, any efforts to reduce unnecessary attendances are welcome and we are hopeful that, by increasing awareness of the alternatives available, it will ensure we have more capacity to treat those most in need of emergency hospital care.”
John Merriman, local pharmacist, said, “Local pharmacists can help with all sorts of healthcare advice and treatment without an appointment. As well as minor, short term conditions, we can also help with services such as stop smoking, weight management and sexual health. We are here to help. ”
For more information, visit https://usetherightservice.com/
