Choose well and thrive this winter
We can all play our part to protect ourselves and those around us. Check out the self-care tips and local services information below to keep yourself and your family well this winter.
When to visit A&E
An A&E department deals with genuine life-threatening and serious accidents, such as: loss of consciousness, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds, stroke for all other medical help, visit 111.nhs.uk or call free NHS 111
If you have a minor injury or issue which needs medical attention the same day, but isn’t life-threatening, call 111 or visit the website 111.nhs.uk/. It’s free, and they can give you urgent medical advice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our nearest A&E department can be found at York Hospital (insert link)
What is an urgent treatment centre?
An urgent treatment centre is an alternative to A&E, treating both children and adults (except those under the age of two or those over the age of 65 who have a head injury or anyone with a pregnancy related health condition). The centre provides treatment for minor injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life or limb threatening. If you need medical help but you know it’s not an emergency then the urgent treatment centre might be the best place for you.
For example:
- Cuts and grazes
- Sprains and strains
- Simple broken bones (if your bone is sticking out or there’s a serious wound then this should be seen at A&E)
- Wound and wound infections
- Minor burns and scalds
- Minor head injuries
- Insect and animal bites
- Minor eye injuries
- Minor back injuries
- Emergency contraception
- Skin infections/rashes/allergic reactions
- Urine infections
- Raised temperature/fever
Online services
The NHS is there for you whenever you need us, with more online services available to you than ever before.
NHS app - Did you know the NHS app allows you to order repeat prescriptions, book GP appointments and view your medical records? Download today
Think 111 online first - If you are feeling unwell and unsure of where to turn? NHS111 is here to make it easier and quicker for you to get the right advice or treatment you need, be that for your physical or mental health, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Go online to 111.nhs.co.uk – for assessment of people aged 5 and over
- Call 111 for free from a landline or mobile
Health A to Z - Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. Go to the Health A to Z
GP online consultation - You can use an online form to contact your GP practice about a new problem or an ongoing issue wherever and whenever you like using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Your GP can then decide the right care for you – and you might not need to come into the practice. See your GP website for details.
Family health - when should I worry
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. There are a number of common childhood illnesses that often can effectively be managed at home by parents and carers. However, understanding when it is OK to look after your child at home and when to seek additional support can be difficult.
The ‘When Should I Worry?’ booklet is for parents and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy. It is not meant for children who have ongoing health problems such as asthma, heart, or kidney problems. This invaluable source of information provides advice on how to care for:
- Fever
- Temperature fits
- Cough / chesty cough
- Common cold
- Sore throat
- Croup
- Earache
- Not eating / drinking
Please note - You should not rely on the advice in this leaflet for children who are less than 6 months old. Babies younger than this can respond differently to infections.
Pharmacy finder
For medical advice and treatments for things like colds, tummy troubles, rashes and pains head to your local pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy
Mental Health
Mental health is important. This goes beyond the NHS and includes Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners offering a wide range of support and resources that are available to everyone who needs them. The support available from these trusted partners can keep you well and help you through all parts of your care journey.
In York......
Don’t wait until you are in crisis. There’s a wide range of support and resources available to everyone who needs them and can help promote and maintain good mental health.
A range of helpful resources can be found by visiting the following websites:
Stay well
Do you have everything you need?
Make sure your medicine cabinet and first aid kit are stocked up, this can help treat common conditions or minor accidents and injuries at home.
Medicines should be checked regularly to make sure they’re within their use-by dates. It should be locked and kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Find out what you need in your medicine cabinet
Cost of living
A lot of us are facing tough times with the rising cost of living including affording basics like food and energy. In York there is a range of support and services to communities including advice on money, cutting costs, food banks, baby banks for supplies for young children, safe, warm spaces, and much more.
There are a number of food banks across the City which aim to make sure that no one in our communities go hungry, York Foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
To find out the locations and opening times go to York Foodbank.
For tips to reduce energy usage and manage your bills, and information on other services such as debt advice, insulation grants and more go to York Energy Advice, phone:01904 922249 or email: info@yorkenergyadvice.org.uk
Find out if you are missing out on benefits or support, and how to save on bills from the council, government and other organisations such as Live Well York, or ask at your local community centre, hub or Explore Library.
