Here Comes the Sun: NHS encourages Coventry and Warwickshire residents to choose the right service for their care this summer
The NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is encouraging people to choose the right health and care services for their needs this summer, as warmer weather, seasonal illnesses, travel and festivals can put extra pressure on services, as part of its new 'Here Comes the Sun' campaign.
Health and care organisations including local hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and councils are reminding residents to plan ahead and use NHS 111 and community pharmacies for non-emergency healthcare.
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said:
People often associate winter with a spike in illness but the warmer months bring a different set of challenges, with seasonal conditions like hayfever, asthma and heat exhaustion among some of the health problems we see.
Using the right service can help people access care more quickly and ensure emergency services remain available for those who need them most.
Jacky Vincent, Interim Chief Nursing Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust sad:
Looking after our health and wellbeing during the summer is as important as ever. The summer months can often make us feel like we need to enjoy every moment, but this can bring added financial and social pressures, and disrupt routines, all of which can impact on our mental health. The warmer weather can also bring health risks, particularly for vulnerable people in our communities. Alongside our partners, we're reminding people across Coventry and Warwickshire that support is always available this summer.
The Recovery and Wellbeing Academy offer a range of free courses to empower your mental health and wellbeing for anyone over the age of 18, and the Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing tool offers a personalised profile and information to support adults, children, and young people.
If you would like to speak to someone, there are a wide range of free and confidential NHS services which you can access yourself if you are feeling low, anxious, stressed or having difficulty coping. You can self-refer to Talking Therapies, or text CWHOPE to 85258 to start a free, confidential text conversation with a mental health professional anytime of the day or night. The text line is provided by Shout, in partnership with the NHS.
However, if you or someone you are with, whatever their age, finds themselves in a mental health crisis, you should call NHS 111 and select the 'mental health' option; it's available 24/7 365 days of the year.
Self-care at home
There are simple steps people can take to manage minor illnesses at home, stay well over the summer and prevent more serious health problems.
Top tips to keep yourself well this summer include:
· Managing pre-existing conditions like hayfever and asthma using over-the-counter medication.
· Staying safe in the sun by using suncream appropriately and staying hydrated.
· Handling and cooking food safely, especially when eating outside at picnics and BBQs.
· Washing your hands after visiting farms and petting zoos.
· Drinking alcohol in moderation.
· Keeping a stocked medicine cabinet at home and an essentials kit for travel.
· Looking after your mental health and taking the five steps to mental wellbeing.
NHS 111 can help you get the right care
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. It provides urgent medical advice, including mental health support, when you need help quickly, but it is not a life-threatening emergency.
Mental health services are here to support you
Just because the sun is shining, does not always mean we feel positive, and mental health support is available 24/7 in Coventry and Warwickshire. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 and select the 'mental health' option. Mental health support is also available by text through Shout, partnered with the NHS. Text CWHOPE to 85258 to start a free, confidential text conversation with a mental health professional.
Pharmacists can provide support and advice
Community pharmacies can help with a range of minor illnesses and health concerns, including coughs, colds, sore throats, hay fever, insect bites, and rashes.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer fast, expert advice, treatment and support on common summer health issues such as dehydration, hay fever insect bites, over-the-counter treatment and when to seek further care.
Use Urgent Treatment Centres for minor injuries and illnesses
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) can provide care for non-life-threatening minor injuries and illnesses from urgent care practitioners, GPs and nurses.
Conditions that can be treated include small wounds, dressing care and removal of stitches, suspected strains, sprains, and broken bones
A&E is for serious and life-threatening emergencies
Emergency Departments and 999 services should only be used for serious and life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, signs of a stroke, serious injuries, or if someone is unconscious.
For other healthcare needs, using services such as NHS 111, community pharmacies or GP practices can help people receive care more appropriately and support local NHS services.
For more information on your NHS services, visit https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/services-programmes/think-which-service/.