As we head into the winter season it is really important to know where you should go for advice, support and treatment regarding your health.

If you need support or medical assistance, local health and care professionals are ready to provide you with the right help at the right time and place. 

All you need to know is which service best suits your needs.

NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin have put together information to guide you to the right support. By knowing where to go, you’ll get the right advice and treatment as quickly as possible.

Think Which Service

Think self-care for a better winter

• Think winter vaccinations. Get your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations if you are eligible.

• Think health.

  • Eat a healthy balanced diet and keep hydrated to help you feel your best and keep your energy levels up.

  • Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and be active, enjoy the outdoors if you can. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.

  • Build your strength, balance, and coordination, and wear shoes or slippers with a good grip to help prevent falls.

• Think warmth

  • Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Ideally, heat the rooms you use the most to at least 18ºc.

  • Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick one. For extra warmth, use a blanket or hot water bottle if needed.

  • If you are struggling to heat your home, you can visit a number of warm spaces such as libraries and leisure centres for support.

• Think cost of living support

  • Contact your local council if you are worried about money, struggling to pay bills or buy food: gov.uk/cost-of-living or telford.gov.uk/costofliving

• Think connection. Connect with others and check in on older or unwell neighbours, friends and family members

• Think preparedness. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with painkillers, rehydration and indigestion treatments, anti-diarrhoea medicine, antiseptic cream and antihistamines, and a First Aid Kit. Always check that your medications are in date.

 

Think pharmacist for the right advice and medication for your condition

The Pharmacy First service is available within all pharmacies across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, making it easier for patients to access help, advice and treatment. Most of the time no appointment is necessary, however this may depend on the treatment needed and how busy the pharmacy is.

What common conditions can a pharmacist help with?

• Coughs, colds and the flu

• Aches, pains and minor injuries

• Skin rashes and allergies

• 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

Plus, under the new ‘Pharmacy First’ service you can now get prescription-only medicines advice for these seven common conditions:

• sinusitis

• sore throat

• earache

• infected insect bites

• impetigo

• shingles,

• uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

 

Think NHS 111 online if you are not sure what to do

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. 

By ringing 111 or visiting NHS 111 online, you help keep GP appointments and A&E (Emergency Department) free for those who need them most.

When to use NHS 111

Ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk:

• 24/7, 365 days a year for fast and simple access to a range of medical advice

• If you or someone you’re with has a medical problem or issue that isn’t life-threatening but you need advice on where to go

• If you think you may require an emergency face-to-face appointment with a relevant healthcare professional

• If you need help with getting a repeat prescription or an emergency supply

• If you require an emergency dental

• If you need mental health assistance

 

Think GP Practice for persistent or sudden symptoms

Most colds, coughs and sore throats will not get better with antibiotics and cannot be treated by your GP. However, you should see your GP if persistent, recurring problems are not improving with self-care.

You should also see your GP for:

• Unexplained and sudden weight loss

• Constant fatigue and unexplained tiredness

• Persistent cough

• Yellowing skin

• Sudden, blinding headaches or migraines

• A new or growing mole

• A persistent high fever

• Changes in bowel movements

 

Think Minor Injury Units before A&E

If you’ve hurt yourself, had a fall, burnt yourself or are suffering from another non-life-threatening issue, the Minor Injury Unit is a fast and effective way of getting treated without the long wait in A&E (Emergency Department).

Your local MIUs have a team of nurses, Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) and support staff to get you the help you need, fast.

By visiting your local MIU, you help keep A&E (Emergency Department) free for those who need it most.

When to use a Minor Injury Unit

Your local MIU can treat you for:

• sprains and strains

• minor fractures

• wounds needing stitches

• burns and scalds

• minor head injuries 

Where are MIUs located?

MIUs are located at community hospitals in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Whitchurch, and Oswestry Health Centre. For opening times, please visit: Minor injury units in Shropshire (shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk)

 

Think 999 for life-threatening emergencies

Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day if you have a life-threatening emergency.

Please keep 999 and A&E (Emergency Department) free for genuine life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 online or by phone or a minor injury unit for other urgent care needs.

When to dial 999 or go to A&E (Emergency Department):

• Signs of a heart attack

• Signs of a stroke

• Sudden confusion

• Severe difficulty breathing

• Choking

• Heavy bleeding

• Severe injuries

• Seizure

• Sudden, rapid swelling

British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999.

• Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay

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