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Get the right care from the right service

Kingston Hospital NHS Trust is supporting the 'Choose Well' campaign - a new initiative to encourage people to get the right care from the right service at the right time.

The campaign, which is promoted by posters displayed around the hospital, uses a colour coded thermometer as its logo and aims to reduce the number of people visiting A&E by helping them to associate the severity of their symptoms with a particular NHS service:

Critical or life-threatening situations

Accident and Emergency departments are found at most hospitals. They help people who show signs of being very ill or are badly injured.

If you telephone 999 and tell the operator that there is a medical emergency, a response vehicle will be sent to your location.

When and why?

Emergency services are very busy. They should only be used in very serious or life-threatening situations.

Choosing well ensures that essential treatment is given, in the shortest possible time.

Examples

• Choking

• Chest pain

• Blacking out

• Blood loss.

Treatment of minor illnesses or injuries

What to do?

NHS walk-in centres, NHS urgent care centres or NHS minor injuries units can treat minor illnesses and injuries and give you health advice. Most are open from early in the morning until late at night. You do not need an appointment, and you will be seen by an experienced nurse or a GP.

When and why?

If you need medical treatment or advice which does not need a visit to A&E or a medical appointment.

Choosing well ensures you receive the best possible treatment, leaving emergency services to those who need them most.

Examples

More information

• Find your nearest NHS walk-in centre

Medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just can't shake off

What to do?

GP surgeries can be found locally across London. You can make an appointment with a doctor for medical advice, examinations, and prescriptions.

In an emergency, a GP can also visit your home outside of opening hours - if you need this service telephone your local surgery and follow the recorded instructions.

When and why?

Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that will not go away.

Choosing well ensures that you get the treatment you need, and reduces the demand on emergency services.

Examples

More information

• Find your nearest GP if you aren't registered already

Advice on common seasonal illnesses, and the best medicines to treat them

What to do?

Pharmacies can be found in local areas across London. Your local pharmacist can give you advice on illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them.

When and why?

Visit your local pharmacy when you are suffering from a common health problem which does not require being seen by a nurse or doctor.

Choosing well ensures you get the treatment you need in the shortest possible time, reducing the pressure on essential NHS services.

Examples

More information

• Find your nearest pharmacy

Any health questions around the clock and to find local services

What to do?

NHS Direct offers confidential health advice and information by telephone, on the internet and through digital TV, 24 hours a day.

When and why?

Contact NHS Direct if you are ill and have any questions about health. The service can also help you to find health services in your local area.

Choosing well ensures you get expert advice in the shortest possible time, meaning busy NHS services can help those who need them most.

Examples

More information

• Visit the NHS Direct website

• Call 0845 4647
  (Calls to NHS Direct cost a maximum of 5 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call. For patients' safety, calls to NHS Direct are recorded.)

• Tune you TV into FreeView channel 100 or page two on Sky Digital's interactive service

Treatment of minor illnesses