In London over 200,000 people work for the NHS and chances are if you’re one of them, you’re always being asked advice by friends and family about where to go and what to do. Did you know:
- 40% of people in A&E have spoken to a friend or family member who works for the NHS.
- Three in five Londoners, including our staff, find urgent services confusing.
- Not enough people know they can see a GP in their area in the evening and at weekends or understand when to use NHS 111.
Therefore, this winter we are running a campaign aimed at our NHS staff, giving them a set of simple messages which they can share with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter.
We’ve also produced some frequently asked questions so our staff feel confident they understand urgent, emergency and primary care services.
From Monday 11 December, NHS staff can take the quiz for a chance to win £100 for a winter celebration for your team and £100 for the charity of your choice.
What do we want people to know…
Stay well this winter
Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination. If you’re eligible get it now. It’s free because you need it.
If you start to feel unwell, at the first sign of illness, even if it is just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious.
NHS 111
If you’re not sure if you need A&E, call NHS 111. It’s the number to call when you need 24/7 urgent assessment, clinical advice and treatment.
GP extended hours appointments
You can access a GP, or in some areas a practice nurse as well, evenings and weekends, seven days a week – contact your practice to book or call NHS 111. Type your postcode into the service finder to find out more at www.nhs.uk
GP online services
You can now book appointments and arrange repeat prescriptions online. Register for GP online services at your GP practice or find out more at www.nhs.uk/GPonlineservices