News from our partners: Self Care Week – choose self care for life
News from our partners Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)
Teams from NHS Shropshire CCG are out across Shropshire, talking to people about choosing self care for a healthier, happier life and how to access local health services as part of Self Care Week (12–18 November 2018).
Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional.
During the week, teams from the CCG are sited at large supermarkets across the county sharing free self care hints and tips to people on how to make small changes that can make a big difference in protecting their physical health and mental wellbeing. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out how you can ‘choose self care for life’ at these free events.
Many common, short-term, minor health conditions such as sprains, colds and coughs can be treated at home or with advice from a pharmacist without a trip to the GP or Emergency Department. Using the right health service for your health needs will save you time and help take pressure off the NHS.
Dr Edward Rysdale, an emergency medicine consultant at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said:
“Before visiting the Emergency Department consider whether there is a service better suited to your health needs. Think about using information on NHS Choices, calling NHS 111 or visiting your pharmacy for health advice. You may not need to wait in the Emergency Department for something you may be able to treat at home or with help from the pharmacist or GP.
“The Emergency Department is for serious, life-threatening conditions such as severe bleeding, heart attacks and badly broken bones. Urgent care and walk-in centres can help you with non-serious injuries such as cuts, sprains, some broken bones, scalds and minor eye injuries.”
| NHS Shropshire CCG Self Care roadshow location and dates
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| Mon 12 Nov 9am – 5pm | Tues 13 Nov 9am – 5pm | Wed 14 Nov 9am – 5pm | Thurs 15 Nov 9am – 5pm | Fri 16 Nov 9am – 5pm |
| Asda Shrewsbury | Morrisons Shrewsbury | Morrisons Shrewsbury | Tesco (Battlefield) Shrewsbury | Tesco (Battlefield) Shrewsbury |
| Morrisons Oswestry | Morrisons Oswestry | Tesco Ellesmere | Sainsburys Oswestry | Morrisons Market Drayton |
| Sainsburys Bridgnorth | Sainsburys Bridgnorth | Tesco Ludlow | Tesco Ludlow | Sainsburys Bridgnorth |
Dr Julian Povey, Chair of NHS Shropshire CCG, tells us how to get the best from our GP:
“Make an appointment if you have an illness or injury that will not go away such as persistent vomiting, ear pain, stomach ache or back ache. It is vital to remember also that self care is not no care and if you feel like you need to see your GP then make an appointment.”
Inderpreet Kaur, pharmacist, reminds us how to access health advice on the go:-
“The local pharmacist can help with all sorts of health care advice and treatment without an appointment, as well as minor, short term conditions we can also help with services such as stop smoking, weight management and sexual health. If we feel you need it, we can also signpost you to another NHS service. We are here to help. ”
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, health and social housing, said:
“When people take good care of their own health and well-being it has benefits for everyone. People spend less time at the GP and other appointments and can even help avoid being admitted into hospital.
“It doesn’t take a huge effort to achieve positive change. We can improve our lives by just making small adjustments to our diet, exercise, and having more social contact can make a difference too. By taking these small steps can help you get more enjoyment out of life.
“I would therefore encourage local people to take advantage these self-care events and find out more about how you can help yourself take care of your health and well-being.”
To find out more about self care and what activities are taking place near you for Self Care Week, visit www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk.
As a public health authority Shropshire Council offers a wide range of advice to help people stay safe and well; from advice on health eating, physical activity and helping to quit smoking to name a few. To find out more visit http://www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/.
Further information
- Self Care Week takes place 12-18 November 2018 and has the theme “Choose Self Care for Life.”
- Self Care Week is an annual initiative organised by the Self Care Forum to raise awareness about the benefits of self care and what people can do to take care of their health. It is to promote and encourage more self care across communities, families and generations.
