Cynon Valley AM urges residents to get ready for winter by choosing well and planning ahead

Local Assembly Member Vikki Howells is urging residents to help their NHS and people with life-threatening conditions by choosing the right health service for their needs.

The Cynon Valley AM is supporting the Welsh Government’s “Choose Well” campaign and pointing them to the campaign’s website. Choose Well will help you decide if you need medical attention if you get sick. It explains what each NHS service does, and when it should be used.

This winter’s campaign includes a focus on the role of community pharmacists across Wales. Pharmacists are engaging with people to offer advice, promote key health messages and help people with complex medical conditions to complete a personal health plan to get ready for winter.

Choose Well, Choose Pharmacy this Winter aims to highlight the wide range of services available, which people may not be aware of, close to their homes and often at more convenient times in the evenings and weekends.

Vikki Howells AM said:-

“The Choose Well campaign is about helping residents to choose the right health care setting this winter. Making the right choice of health service and advice will save you time and make sure you and your family get the right care quickly.

“If you have a serious life-threatening emergency call 999 or go to A&E. But if not, please consider the wide range of other options.

“In many cases pharmacists can provide confidential advice and treatment without the need to make an appointment.  Community pharmacists are playing an increasing role in providing support and advice to people in a convenient setting closer to people’s homes.

“Making the right choice not only saves you time and ensures you and your loved ones get the right care quickly but it also helps NHS staff who will be working hard this winter.”

The Welsh Government is working with Public Health Wales and Community Pharmacy Wales to ensure packs are available at all community pharmacies, more than 700 across Wales. The packs, which also provide useful tips to stay safe, warm and well in the winter, are also being distributed by Age Cymru and health boards.

The NHS Direct Wales online symptom checker can also provide useful information on what treatment or service you need – NHS Direct or speak to somebody at NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or 111 where available. Parents with children under 12 can use the Choose Well web site for advice Choose Well.

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Notes for editor

Picture is of Vikki Howells AM with Mark Cowley of Hope Pharmacy, Mountain Ash.