People in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are being urged to think carefully about how they use their NHS to ensure they find the right service for their individual need, whilst also supporting NHS staff to save lives.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is supporting the national Your NHS Wales - Choose Well campaign, which uses the image of a thermometer to help identify which healthcare service best meets their need.

The vast majority of medical conditions do not need emergency care and there are a range of easy to access services that can help people get the right care at the right time.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s assistant director of primary care, and lead for Choose Well, Elaine Lorton, explained: “We have been out and about during the last year, with a focus on providing practical help and information to our population about the depth and breadth of health services that are available in the heart of our communities. From services that can help support self-care in the home, to grass route community support groups, community pharmacies, optometrists, dental services and GP surgeries - all these can offer significant assessment and treatments and often provide a faster service for an individual.”

Local advice and information resources have been promoted in a number of areas, including: student populations, such as Aberystwyth University at their recent Fresher’s Fair, and secondary schools throughout Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion; tourism providers, such as Bluestone, in Pembrokeshire; patient representative groups, such as Carmarthen Breath Easy Group; general health events, such as the Let’s Talk Health engagement sessions held throughout the three counties; community events, such as Pembrokeshire Show.

Elaine said: “We will be engagement with people during the winter and would welcome any interest from community groups who may like to know more about the campaign.”

Making the right choice about which healthcare service to use helps people get treated faster in the most appropriate way, and also means health service resources are being used in the best way.

Hywel Dda Health Board’s clinical lead for unscheduled care, consultant Jeremy Williams, explained: “Many people attending our Emergency Departments are very sick and are attending appropriately, but some have conditions of a lesser severity, which would be best assessed and treated by other health care providers.

“The best way the public can assist the NHS is to ensure they and their families are using health services appropriately. This will mean they are seen by the most appropriate person, in the quickest time possible, avoiding delays for themselves and others, and ultimately helping us to save lives.”

The campaign highlights the importance of self care in dealing with many minor illnesses, which can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines and advice. It also highlights the various free services available, from NHS Direct, GPs, pharmacies, and opticians, ready and able to treat a range of health conditions.

It asks people to only call 999 or go to their local Accident & Emergency unit if they have a life threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention, such as severe chest pain, choking, blacking out, major blood loss or a suspected stroke.

Not sure what NHS service to use? The new Choose Well campaign will direct you to the NHS Direct Wales helpline on 0845 46 47 or why not visit your local Choose Well website for more information or to download a handy app - www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell

You can also get involved by tweeting pictures of yourselves using the most appropriate health service with the hashtag #yourNHSWales