Crewe News: HOSPITAL ASKS FOR PUBLIC COOPERATION

Wednesday 15 January 2014

HOSPITAL ASKS FOR PUBLIC COOPERATION

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) is asking for the help of the local community as increased numbers of patients are being admitted to Leighton Hospital in Crewe. There have also been further increases in the number of patients being admitted with symptoms of Norovirus

With the number of admissions currently exceeding the average for this time of year and the number of Norovirus cases, the Trust is encouraging members of the public to only use its Emergency Department for serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart-attacks, strokes, serious accidents and breathing difficulties.

Other less serious conditions can be treated through the variety of healthcare services available in the community or on the high street, as promoted in the NHS ‘Choose Well’ campaign.

The ‘Choose Well’ campaign is a national initiative which aims to give people information so that they know where to go in the first instance to get fast, expert advice when they need it, and how to help themselves if they have a common illness or ailment.

Self-care is often the best choice to treat common illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, all of which can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

For expert advice and treatment, without the need to wait for a GP appointment, local pharmacies are able to provide a confidential service, as can NHS 111 and the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk). NHS Choices can also help you to locate your nearest NHS services such as GPs, dentists and pharmacies.

For further information on the local Choose Well campaign, please visit the NHS South Cheshire Clinical Commission Group (CCG) website (www.southcheshireccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/choose-well) or the NHS Vale Royal CCG website (www.valeroyalccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/choose-well).