Pleas over minor illnesses

Health chiefs are asking people in Staffordshire to take simple steps to avoid a New Year visit to an accident and emergency department.

Staff at Stafford and Cannock Chase Hospitals are urging patients to get information on how to access the right treatment if they do fall ill during bad weather.

Winter ailments often lead to people attending hospital for treatment or advice when they could really get help elsewhere, such as from their pharmacist, GP or through NHS Direct.

They can also get help through services such as the Out of Hours Unit based at Stafford Hospital or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cannock Chase Hospital.

Karen Morrey, chief operating officer for Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust, said "Our A&E department is really there to treat the more serious or emergency cases.

"If someone arrives at A&E with a minor problem they may prevent someone else with a more serious condition from getting immediate treatment – or may have to wait to be seen.

"We encourage people to get information on how they can help themselves – and where else they can get medical help or advice."

Mid Staffordshire General Hospital's advice on how to stay healthy include stocking up with flu remedies and staying at home, keeping warm and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.

People on prescribed medication should make sure they have enough supply to last through any periods of bad weather when they may be unable to get out of the house.

Local pharmacists can advise about minor medical problems, such as coughs and colds, sore throats, tooth or earache, and can supply painkillers and cold medication.

All doctors' surgeries offer an emergency out-of-hours service. For less serious injuries or illnesses, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust runs the Out of Hours Unit at Stafford Hospital, which is open from 6pm to 8am every day and the Minor Injuries Unit at Cannock Chase Hospital which is open 8am to midnight every day.

Examples of serious injuries or illnesses include critical or life-threatening situations such as head injury, broken bones, severe chest pain or breathlessness.