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Page updated: 08 Jan 2010

Patients encouraged to choose well this winter

Patients in Trafford are being asked to help reduce pressure on GPs and accident and emergency departments during the busy winter period by thinking twice about how they use NHS services.

Trafford PCT is reinforcing the message that 999 and A&E are for people with serious injuries, illnesses and emergencies, and encouraging residents to consider other sources of treatment, including NHS direct, walk-in centres, pharmacists, and even their own medicine cabinet at home.

Abdul Razzaq, director of public health at Trafford PCT, said: "The winter period is always tough on GPs and hospitals, with an increase in numbers of people with respiratory conditions and flu-like illnesses; cases of other infections such as the vomiting and diarrhoea virus; and an increase in slips, trips and falls due to icy conditions.

"We have seen a year on year increase in the number of people using 999 and A&E for all sorts of illnesses and injuries.  During the winter, when services are already stretched, it is more important than ever that people use services wisely.

"Many common winter illnesses such as colds and the vomiting bug, while unpleasant, can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet, and most adults will start to recover from the symptoms within 48 hours.  The minor injuries unit at Altrincham General Hospital can treat a wide range of problems, including cuts, sprains, fractures and minor head injuries, without the need to attend accident and emergency."  

There are a range of other services people can use to help relieve the pressure on GPs and hospitals.  Local pharmacies have a fully-trained health professionals who can provide information and over-the-counter treatments for minor illnesses, while anyone feeling unwell can get expert advice from the comfort of their own home by visiting www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or by calling the NHS Direct hotline on 0845 46 47.