Support our healthcare system and 'Think Which Service'

Publish date: 16 October 2024

We are joining with all our colleagues across Derby and Derbyshire to ask our local community to "think which service" is right for their needs, as we begin to prepare for winter season pressures.

Our #ThinkWhichService will support us in ensuring that patients get quicker care in the most appropriate place.

It focuses on advice to keep well; talking about the wide range of services available at a community pharmacy; on NHS 111 online, at local urgent treatment centres, and the ways people can 'self-care' and look after their own health.

Think self-care

Protect yourself and your family by getting the flu and covid vaccinations, if you are eligible. Stay at home if you are ill so you don't spread your germs and wash your hands to help prevent infection from spreading.

Stay warm over winter – there are many "warm hubs" in our local communities – and look after your neighbours and family members if they need it.

Keep stocked up with any medicines you need, particularly over the bank holidays at Christmas, and have a supply of medicines to relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds.

NHS 111

If you or someone you’re with has a medical problem that isn’t life-threatening but requires immediate help, NHS 111 will get you assessed and directed to the right place 24/7, 365 days a year.

NHS 111, which is available online or by phone, can give you advice and help for dealing with your symptoms, arrange for you to speak to a relevant healthcare professional, organise face-to-face appointments, and provide you with information on how to get a repeat prescription and where to get an emergency supply.

Pharmacy

Speak to your local community pharmacist in confidence, without an appointment, about:

Coughs, colds and the flu
Aches, pains & minor injuries
Oral contraception
Skin rashes and allergies
Urinary tract infections
Ear and eye care
Stomach aches such as constipation, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, or threadworm
Help with medication and repeat prescriptions
Advice on healthy living – how to eat better, lose weight, exercise and stop smoking

GP Practice

See your GP if you have persistent, recurring problems that are not improving with self care.

Many GPs are supported by a team of healthcare professionals, who may be better placed to help you.

They may be able to see you more quickly than the GP and they can often offer longer appointments times. Examples of healthcare professionals in the GP's team include:

General practice nurses
Advanced nurse practitioners
Advanced clinical practitioners
Healthcare assistants
Clinical pharmacists
Paramedics
Social prescribers
Physiotherapists
Mental health practitioners

Urgent treatment centres

You can go to an urgent treatment centre if you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

sprains and strains
suspected broken bones
injuries, cuts and bruises
stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
skin infections and rashes
high temperature in children and adults
mental health concerns

Urgent treatment centres are GP-led, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, offer appointments that can be booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments, without going to A&E.

Derbyshire has urgent treatment centres at Ilkeston Community Hospital, Whitworth Hospital (Darley Dale), Ripley Community Hospital, Buxton Hospital and Osmaston Road, Derby.

Hospital Emergency Department

The emergency department, or accident and emergency, is the place for serious or life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Many less serious injuries or illnesses can be treated more quickly, more locally, using alternative services. These include Derbyshire's urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and NHS111.

When to dial 999 or go to ED: