West Middlesex University Hospital advises people on choosing the right healthcare service
06 January 2015
Accident and Emergency (A&E) is often seen as the first port of call for people who are unwell and not sure where to go for help. However their expertise is in treating people who are seriously ill and require immediate treatment for life threatening conditions.
Accident and Emergency (A&E) is often seen as the first port of call for people who are unwell and not sure where to go for help. However their expertise is in treating people who are seriously ill and require immediate treatment for life threatening conditions. Examples of this include persistent, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, badly broken bones, loss of consciousness and confusion or fits.
People attending the hospital as ‘walk-in’ cases are assessed and prioritised depending on the nature of their illness and either seen in the Hounslow Urgent Care Centre, which treats minor injuries and illnesses requiring urgent treatment, or in our A&E department.
Whilst we would always rather rule out something serious there are a range of NHS services that are better able to treat and advise people with less serious conditions.
Most people know to dial 999 if you have a medical emergency that may be life threatening. But you can also call the NHS 111 service when you need free health advice and information 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Trained advisors and medical staff will assess your condition on the phone and point you to the right service for fast advice and support.
Many common winter ailments are best treated at home with medicines you can buy at a pharmacy, along with plenty of rest. People often overlook their local pharmacist when they feel unwell. However these highly trained and experienced health professionals can give free confidential advice and recommendations on how to treat things like coughs and colds, flu, diarrhoea, upset stomachs and headaches.
Your GP (family doctor) should be the first port of call for general health issues and advice and will know your medical history. If you are not registered with a GP it is important you do so now, rather than waiting until you are unwell.
More information on accessing the right healthcare can be found on a new mobile friendly website at: www.rightcarenwlondon.nhs.uk