NHS 'Open for Business' Campaign
IF YOU NEED MEDICAL HELP YOU SHOULD STILL CONTACT YOUR GP PRACTICE, DENTIST, USE NHS 111 ONLINE OR CALL 111. IF YOU ARE TOLD TO GO TO HOSPITAL IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU GO TO HOSPITAL.
The focus of the NHS over the last six weeks has rightly been on preventing the spread of Covid-19 and treating those affected by the virus, but it is now clear that thousands of people who might normally have gone to their GP, dentist or their A&E department have not attended. There is now a concern that for some of those people who are not seeking early help for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and mental health issues, they will experience poorer health and that their conditions may be more difficult to treat.
Research by the NHS has shown that people are concerned with catching the virus and bringing it home to loved ones and/or of being a burden on the hospital.
Healthwatch encourages people to access NHS services for non-coronavirus medical issues when they have an urgent medical need or have been instructed to.
Read the Key Messages of the campaign below or see our FAQs document here
Downloads
The main message to everyone is not to ignore signs and symptoms of any potentially serious health problem. Your GP will be able to discuss with you the various options and help you come to a joint decision about what is right for you.
Remember: the NHS wants you to make contact and get help when you need it despite the Covid virus, and it has the capacity to treat you. The clear message from the NHS is “WE’LL GIVE YOU THE CARE YOU NEED”
