PEOPLE in Wyre Forest enjoying half term with their families are being encouraged to choose the right NHS service should they suffer a minor illness or injury.

The three NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in Worcestershire, including NHS Wyre Forest, want to make sure that people know the best place to go in order to get the most suitable treatment, should they encounter a cold or flu, bruise, sprain, minor wound or fracture.

The ‘Is A&E for me?’ campaign is run by the three CCGs alongside the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Worcestershire County Council to educate residents in the county about their healthcare options if they become injured or unwell.

Choosing the right service will ensure patients receive the best possible treatment, while freeing up busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.

More information about the ‘Is A&E for me?’ campaign can be found at www.isaandeforme.com.

Ruth Davoll, Urgent Care Lead for the three CCGs in Worcestershire, said: “A&E departments are often seen as the first place that people go, when in fact there are other NHS services that may be more suitable, such as a local pharmacy, GP practice or Minor Injury Unit.

“Pharmacists can help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries, and many are open until late and at weekends. If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency, you can call NHS 111, which is a free service and can quickly direct you to the right service. It also ensures that the 999 number is kept free for very serious emergency medical cases.”