The example in this video is very funny and extreme, but there is a very serious message behind it.
On average an ambulance call out costs more than £200 and an A&E visit can cost a minimum of £59. With one in four people attending A&E unnecessarily, as they could have been treated by their pharmacist or GP or did not need any form of medical intervention, this puts an enormous strain on the NHS and not just in financial terms.
A&E doctors’ time is precious and if they spend it treating very minor problems they have less time to spend attending to those who have serious problems such as those who have suffered heart attacks, strokes and life-threatening injuries.
Vet: http://goo.gl/RZEO0?
Talent Show: http://goo.gl/DFRQj
Not an emergency? Don’t know who to call? Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
As winter approaches and seasonal illnesses like flu and tummy bugs begin to circulate, we want to help patients access the right healthcare services when they need medical help fast.
NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide medical advice, put you in touch with the right service, arrange to have you seen by a doctor or call you an ambulance.
There are times when people are unsure what to do or where to go for help, particularly when they have unexpected or urgent healthcare needs. This might be because the need arises when their GP practice is closed. People feeling unwell but who know it’s not a 999 emergency, should visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. The phone lines are manned by trained call handlers with nurses on site to offer support if needed. Callers’ symptoms are assessed and they are given the healthcare advice they need or are directed straightaway to the right service.
In emergencies such as heavy blood loss, chest pains, loss of consciousness or broken bones, always call 999. However, when it’s not an emergency, NHS Direct is always there.
We want you to think before you go to A&E or call 999. These services need to be free to deal with real emergencies and should only be used in genuine emergency situations. Telephone services such as NHS Direct are a great alternative. It can give you the answers, reassurance, advice and support you need as well as being convenient and open around the clock.
NHS helplines also help to take the pressure off the 999 emergency service and local A&E departments, which many people use if they don’t know where else to go for the urgent help they need.
Did you know?
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Your pharmacist can give you fast and free healthcare advice on most minor ailments - with no appointment needed!
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Up to one out of every four people who go to A&E could have either self-treated or used an alternative local service.
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On average, any A&E appointment costs the NHS, and therefore the taxpayer, a minimum of £59.
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A&E departments are for life-threatening and emergency conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents. We need to make sure that A&E services are free to help the people who really need them.
What are the local healthcare alternatives to A&E?
As well as the services provided by your local GP surgery, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, drop in to Derby Walk-in Centre, visit the Open Access Centre, or ask your local pharmacist for advice.
Derby Walk-in Centre can provide treatment for minor injuries and everyday illnesses. You don’t need an appointment to attend the centre and you can also get advice about non-urgent conditions. Located off Osmaston Road, the centre is open from 8am to 7.30pm every day including weekends and holidays.
Derby Open Access Centre offers NHS healthcare delivered by GPs and nurses to anyone in the city as a walk-in patient, and Derby residents can also chose to register with the practice if they wish to do so. The Centre on St Thomas Road is open 8am to 8pm every day.
In North Derbyshire, a new telephone service called NHS 111 makes it easier to access local health services urgently. It's been launched in the Chesterfield, Bolsover, Bakewell and Matlock areas. 111 is the telephone number to use when it’s less urgent than 999.
Easy way to find NHS services – wherever you are!
NHS Choices service finder text messages can help you find services and can help the public find your services. You can find local services – wherever you are – by mobile phone.
The keywords for each of the directories are:
- for pharmacists, text "pharmacy"
- for walk-in centres, text "walk"
- for alcohol services, text "alcohol"
- for dentists, text "dentist"
- for GPs, text "doctor"
- for opticians, text "optician"
- for sexual health services, text "sexualhealth"
- for stop-smoking services, text "quit"
Send a text message with the keyword for the information you want. If you are looking for a dentist simply text "Dentist” to 64746 or "NHSGO”. NHS Choices will send you up to three text messages with the results that are nearest to your location. You will not be charged for receiving these messages, however, when you browse a WAP link you will be charged for browsing at your standard network rate.
Click here to go the NHS Choices text service finder webpage to find out more.
