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Sheffield people look after themselves with help from NHS Direct
9th February 2010
People in Sheffield have been able to look after themselves at home with the help of NHS Direct, the health advice and information service available online and over the telephone.
In 2009, 10% of the city’s population used the service at some point, 1% higher than the national average. Of those, 49% were given self-care advice that enabled them to stay at home and treat themselves, 22% were advised to see a GP urgently and just 7% were advised to attend Accident & Emergency (A&E).
Dr Richard Oliver, a Sheffield GP, said: “These figures show that people in Sheffield recognize the important help and advice NHS Direct can give when they are ill. Often people simply need reassurance and advice about their symptoms. NHS Direct can help people to stay at home and take care of themselves without having to visit a doctor or a pharmacist.”
Janet Heslip, 43, of Mosborough, was able to treat her ill daughter last year after calling NHS Direct. She said: “Late one night my daughter had breathing problems and I was very worried. She has asthma and was suffering from a heavy cold.
“Instead of going to A&E I called NHS Direct, where a nurse was able to give me advice on the symptoms and how much inhaler to give my daughter. The service was excellent and we didn’t have to leave home.”
NHS Sheffield is helping people to understand which services help with which ailments via its ‘Choose Well’ campaign: www.sheffield.nhs.uk/choosewell. The campaign highlights that if you have a hangover or sore throat you are best looking after yourself at home, if you have diarrhoea or a headache the local pharmacist should be able to help, for vomiting and ear pain your GP is best, and for choking or severe bleeding you should call 999 or go to A&E.
NHS Direct is available for expert health advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People can call 0845 4647 or log on to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk to access the service.
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