During the winter months, Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) and doctors surgeries will get much busier especially if we have lots of flu in the area. People often turn up at hospitals with a wide range of illnesses and injuries but often the less serious ailments could have been better treated more quickly elsewhere.

The NHS offers a number of options which are tailor-made to deal with different ailments. Options include GPs, pharmacies, the Rotherham Walk-in Centre or simply calling NHS Direct. In some cases staying at home and looking after yourself is the best care leaving emergency services for those who need them most.

Dr David Plews, Medical Director at NHS Rotherham and local GP, said: “We are really lucky in Rotherham to have an excellent range of services to meet everyone’s health needs. The Walk-in Centre based at Rotherham Community Health Centre is a major plus open 8am-9pm every day of the year except for Christmas Day.

“A&E departments or calling 999 should just be reserved for people who are badly injured or showing symptoms of a critical illness such as chest pain although it goes without saying, if you are worried we are always here to help. Choosing Well helps us to help those who need it most and for those with minor ailments, helps them to get the health services they need quicker and easier.

“Of course we must not forget our local pharmacists who are highly qualified to give advice on a wide range of common health problems and the best medicines to treat them. They prescribe from a limited range of medications so you don’t even have to go to your doctor for some things. Medications for head lice, hay fever, pain relief and cystitis can all be prescribed by your local pharmacist.”

Look out for the brightly coloured Choose Well leaflets, posters and flyers which will be available in doctor’s surgeries, pharmacies, opticians and dentists in your area.

Don’t forget, help us to help you and have a happy and healthy winter.